The 19-year-old Shiva Thapa from Assam, had made history when he became the youngest Indian boxer to qualify for the Olympics at the age of 18. Although he lost in the round of 32 at the London Olympics 2012, he did not lose hope. He proved his mettle by winning the gold medal at the Asian Boxing Championship in Amman, Jordan.
Shiva Thapa led the Indian contingent, which took part in an international event almost after a year. The team won a gold, two silver and a bronze medal. Thapa took the lead by winning the gold medal in 56kg category.
Thapa defeated Jordan’s Obada Alkabeh on a split decision of 2-1 to win the bout. He not only became the youngest Indian boxer to win a gold medal at the Asian Boxing Championship, but also became the third Indian after Suranjoy Singh (2009) and Rajkumar Sangwan (1994) to win the yellow metal in this championship.
Thapa has a bright future if maintains consistency and does not get carried away by the name and fame like Vijender Singh. The teenage sensation eyes the 2016 Olympics and remains confident to bring laurel to the country.
