Executed plans with perfection: Shiva Thapa

Assam boxer to change weight category for Olympics

Our Sports Reporter

GUWAHATI: Playing in front of the home crowd and family members, Shiva Thapa, the ace boxer, who today booked a semifinal berth in the India Open Boxing, said that he is satisfied with his performance. He felt the good work in the quarterfinal bout was the result of his perfect execution of plans.

Shiva made a perfect homecoming after his national championship title at the same venue three years back, defeating Damien of Mauritius in the 60-kg category by 5-0 in the quarterfinal tie in India Open. Although he started the contest with a defensive attitude, but later changed gears and never allowed his opponent, who was much taller than him, to make a comeback.

Talking to the media just after his bout, Shiva today admitted that he had never contested such a tall boxer. “This is the first time I have faced a boxer who is very tall. So my strategy was to stay close to him and attack from the inside. I am glad I could execute my plans with perfection,” said Thapa.

Meanwhile, keeping in mind the 2020 Olympics, Shiva, the four consecutive Asian Championships medal winner, said that after the end of this tournament he would switch over to the 63-kg category. “I have planned to switch over to the 63-kg category and I have already started preparing for it. After this tournament, I would fight in the new category.”

Also read: Local Sports