Teens book London berths,India’s Games boxing squad is largest ever at seven

Thapa also became the youngest-ever Indian boxer at the Olympics,beating his close friend Sangwan by a few months. Both boxers recorded convincing wins over strong opponents in the semifinals today. While Sangwan won 24-12 against Jordan’s Ihad Almatdault,Thapa sailed past Japan’s Satoshi Shimizu 31-17.

Besides Thapa and Sangwan,India’s squad has two more teenagers — Devendro Singh and Vikas Krishan,both 19. The seniormost boxer on the flight to London in July will be Beijing Games bronze medalist Vijender Singh,28.

As has been the case in the recent past,the squad will be dominated by boxers from Haryana and the North East,the two bases of the sport in India. Vijender,Sangwan and Krishan have their roots in and around Bhiwani,as do the other two members of the squad — Jai Bagwan and Manoj Kumar. Devendro’s home is in Manipur,while Thapa is from Assam.

To supplement the meagre income from his furniture shop,Thapa’s father started a martial art coaching centre near his Guwahati home. Young Shiva and his brother soon became the star pupils of the modest academy,going on to represent the state and the country at the junior level.

Sangwan joined his uncle Vinod Sangwan’s boxing academy when he was 11. When being a farm hand and pursuing academics became too much to handle,he chose the ring. Both Sangwan and Thapa said today that qualifying for the Olympics was a dream come true.

“It’s a big relief. I had a toothache since Monday night. I did not want to miss this opportunity,” Thapa told The Indian Express from Astana. Sangwan said,“It’s a very nice feeling to qualify. My opponent was a little aggressive initially but once I understood his game,it was not difficult.”

Sumit’s uncle-cum-coach Vinod Sangwan said his young ward is extremely focused and a very quick learner. “He thinks on his feet and that helped him shine in his first major tournament,” Vinod Sangwan said.

The senior Thapa spoke fondly about his son’s dedication. “When he (Shiva) started showing interest in the traditional bamboo dance,I got a bit worried. Later,I realised that he was doing it to improve his foot work,” he said.