Several great boxers who had been out of action for various reasons have returned to the ring in order to establish their worth before another big-ticket tournament.
The potential of World Championships medalists Shiva Thapa and Manish Kaushik resuming their rivalry will be one of the most anticipated moments in the National boxing championships, which begin on Saturday at the Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University here.
Shiva, who set a record by winning his sixth Asian championship medal in Amman in November, has healed from a knee injury sustained during the 63.5kg continental title match and is ready to compete once more. “It took some time for the injuries to heal. Running caused some discomfort. But now I’m ready to compete,” said Shiva, a World bronze medalist in 2015.
Manish, a 2019 Worlds bronze medalist who was unable to compete in an event following the Tokyo Olympics due to injury, is eager to put his skills to the test once more.
“This will be my first event after the Olympics, and I am excited to give it my all,” Manish remarked.
Commonwealth Games bronze medallists Mohammad Hussamuddin (57kg) and Rohit Tokas (67kg), former Asian champion Sanjeet (92kg), Asian bronze medallists Govind Sahani (48kg), Sumit Kundu (75kg), former World youth champion Sachin Siwach (who has jumped from 54kg to 57kg), National Games champions Nikhil Dubey (75kg), Vinit (80kg) and Narender Berwal (+92kg) are some other well-known spellings to be seen at activity.
This year’s National Championships are significant in the run-up to the Asian Games next year. Several great boxers who had been out of action for various reasons have returned to the ring in order to establish their worth before another big-ticket tournament.
On Saturday, Shiva Thapa of India had to settle with a silver medal in the men’s 63.5kg event at the Asian Boxing Championships 2022 in Amman, Jordan.
In the final against Uzbekistan’s Ruslan Abdullaev, Shiva Thapa injured his right knee midway through, causing the referee to call a timeout (RSC) and proclaim Abdullaev the victor.
Despite the defeat, Shiva Thapa’s sixth medal at the continental extravaganza made the 28-year-old, whose sole gold came in 2013, the most decorated fighter in Asian boxing championships ever.
Other Asian meet medals for the Indian boxer include silver in 2017 and 2021, and bronze in 2015 and 2019.
With Shiva Thapa’s silver, India ended the Asian Boxing Championships 2022 with 12 medals, including four golds, two silvers, and six bronze. Women’s boxers Lovlina Borgohain, Saweety Boora, Parveen and Alfiya Pathan won all four gold medals.
National Boxing Championships: Elite boxers eager to show their mettle as the Asian Games approach
