The fun I missed, I am getting it now - Shiva Thapa
Ekta
khangawal
At 18,
he had become the youngest Indian boxer to secure an Olympic berth. A guy with a unique hairstyle, is a star of Indian boxing
. Yes, He is Shiva Thapa, the youngest Indian to win Gold at the Asian
Confederation Boxing Championship at Jordan, in 2013. Shiva has ranked 3rd
in the bantamweight category of the latest AIBA Men’s World ranking. The
promising Shiva Thapa has signed up for Team USA in the
World Series of Boxing, making him along with Sumit Sangwan the first from
the country to compete for a foreign outfit in the semi-professional event. Sports
Kreeda correspondent Ekta Khangawal interacted with this
exceptional pugilist.
How
did you started boxing?
Earlier
I had keen interest in soccer as I started playing soccer first .After watching
2001 FIFA world cup I really developed the interest for soccer. My father was Martial
Arts Instructor so I had interest in Martial Arts also. I started boxing when I
first saw Mike Tyson on TV then I really got inspired by his fighting ability
and his spirit. I thought I should try boxing. I wanted to play individual
sport, not team sports. My Dad took me to Guwahati SAI sports stadium and from
there my journey begins. Still I follow soccer, especially Spain and Italy
teams
What
inspires you to play best of your boxing?
When I
started boxing, Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson were the only legends known
worldwide. I followed them very much. Since then, there have been lots of
boxers that I came across, like Amir Khan of England. I respect all the games,
especially the players who put lot of efforts to win a medal at international
level. Cricket is a religion in our country and other sports like badminton,
shooting, wrestling they are bringing lots of medals. Boxing is also one of the
most developing games. When Vijendera won the medal at Beijing Olympics, boxing
came into limelight and people started recognizing and taking interest into it.
Lots of corporate houses and advertisers are coming up and it’s now kind of
National sport too.
At the
age of 18 you had become the youngest Indian Boxer to qualify for London
Olympics. How it feels?
It feels
great to become the youngest from the country to qualify and to represent. The
most important thing is that I had a dream to represent my country to Olympics
and to bring a medal as well .I tried my best at London but somehow I was less
experienced at senior level. Qualifying for the Olympics 2012 and also winning
Gold at Asian Games were biggest achievements of my life so far. Now I can
prepare myself in a much better way for 2016 Olympics.
How do
you manage your studies with boxing career?
It is
very hard for me to manage. I just study whenever I get time. When I was nine
years old , it was hard for me to concentrate on studies. At that time I couldn't focus on both
the things but slowly I tried to adjust myself. I couldn't give my 100
percent to both the sides. I missed my exams and so many classes. Whenever
I get free time from practice period I study by myself or take extra classes
and tuitions.
What
are your hobbies?
Listening
music, I love to dance and sing although I am not a good singer but I keep
doing these things.
Have
you ever missed normal teenager life?
Obviously
I miss my childhood days and friends. I was all alone with my training, boxing
and my coaches. That was a time I couldn't have done lot more
different.. My father supported me and my hard work leads to the position
on which I am right now, so I am very happy and blessed with God’s grace and my
father. My family supported me by showing the correct path. Now I have friends,
but I missed my childhood. The fun I missed I think I am getting it now in the
form of my achievements. I get the results of my hard work and dedication.
What
are your future plans?
Right
I am working hard for upcoming commonwealth games and Asian games for 2014 and
my ultimate aim is 2016 Rio Olympics.
What
message would you like to give to your fans and other youngsters who want to be
a boxer like you?
If you
have determination and hunger for success nothing is impossible
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