Shiva Thapa can do well in 63 kg: Coach Santiago Neiva

Our Sports Reporter

GUWAHATI: The high-performance coach of Boxing Federation of India Santiago Neiva is in the city to attend the coaching workshop which is jointly organized by the Assam Boxing Association and the Sports Authority of India from today. In a brief interaction with The Sentinel he spoke on the different aspect of Indian boxing. Here is the excerpt.

The Sentinel (TS): How do you see India’s performance in the recently concluded World Boxing Championships?

Santiago: I am happy. We won two medals in the men’s championship and four in the women’s meet. Most important thing is that we won two medals in the Olympic category. Yes, we are little bit satisfied but can’t relax. Need to work hard.

TS: Two boxers from Assam Lovlina and Jamuna brought medals from the World Boxing. How do you see the future of these two boxers?

Santiago Neiva: Oh! Both are good boxers. Lovlina is doing very well in the circuit and I feel she is a Olympic medal prospect. Jamuna too improved her performance a lot. Both have good future.

TS: It looks like that Shiva Thapa needs to quickly settle his weight category if he really wants to create a chance to participate in next Olympics. Your comment.

Santiago: Yes. It’s right. Shiva is good for 60kg category but it is unfortunate that this category is not in Olympics. So either he has to play in 63 or in 57kg. We feel he can do well in the 63kg.

TS: Many felt Mary Kom is left her good days in the ring. Do you feel she has real chance in the forthcoming Olympic?

Santiago: I feel age is not a factor. It’s just a number. Several players, even above 40 years of age, are really doing well in the international circuit. Mary is very focused in her training and I am very much optimistic that the lady will be seen in action in the ring for at least another two years.

TS: Recently a controversy developed after Nikhat Zareen demanded for a trial bout against Mary Kom in 51kg. Your reaction on entire episode.

Santiago: I hope next time the federation will take care of this type of matter and will disclose the entire plan early so that there is no confusion into the mind of boxers.

TS: Development of sports needs a good pool of young players. How the new generation of India is doing in the boxing?

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