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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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