Astana: Shiva Thapa (56kg) advanced to the quarter-finals of the AIBA Asian Olympic Qualifying Event in Astana, Kazakhstan. Thapa defeated Afghan boxer Mohd Khaiber Nooristani, in what was a thrilling exhibition of high powered boxing, became the fourth Indian pugilist to have secured a spot in the quarters of the qualification tournament.
Shiva, the 2010 Youth World Championship silver medallist played out a calculative bout against the Afghan boxer; he quickly sized up his opponent, steadily building on the lead. By the end of the first round Thapa had gained a crucial three point advantage (5:3). The nimble footed Indian, with his all round ring movement and crisp attacks, kept increasing the margin, never allowing Nooristani to get back in the bout.
By the close of the second round Thapa had made it a five point game. He went on to claim victory and a spot in the round of eight with a final score of 15:7.
The 18 year old will now square off against veteran boxer and 2010 Asian Games winner Worapoj Petchkoon of Thailand. The young boxing prodigy from Assam has shown great maturity since his emergence on the senior tour. But in the quarters, on Monday (9th Apr 2012), Thapa will have to bring his ‘A’ game to the ring, in order to overpower the experience of the Thai boxer.
With three slots available in the 56 kilogram weight division, Shiva will not just have to make it to the semi finals, but might also have to battle it out in a play-off bout to book his ticket to the London games.
The evening session on Saturday (7th Apr 2012) will witness Commonwealth Games Gold medallist Suranjoy Sing (52kg) take on Nyambayar Tugstsogt of Mongolia in the bantam weight division. The 2010 Asian Games bronze medallist, who beat Dong-Myung Shin of Korea in his opening round bout, will have revenge on his mind when they face off tonight; looking to settle scores for the 2009 Milan and 2011 Baku World Championship defeats – the Latter being, the first Olympic Qualification tournament for the London Games. The Mongolian boxer, who had suffered quite a few unexpected losses last year, seemed to have found some form as he beat 2010 Asian Games Champion Rey Saludar of the Philippines without much of a challenge. And with both boxers aspiring to make it to their first Olympics, all indications are for a great contest.
Beijing Olympic bronze medal winner, Vijender Singh (75kg) will be seen in action in the quarter-finals of the middle weight division, on Sunday 8th Apr 2012. The 26 year old who, is now just one win away from securing an Olympic berth, will lock horns with 2011 Asian Championship silver medallist Chuluuntumur Tumurkhyag of Mongolia.
By Indian Sports News Network
