Boxing Nationals: Shiva Thapa powers into final

Bellary, SepTEMBER 20

The accomplished trio of Sanjeet (92kg), Shiva Thapa (63.5kg) and Mohammad Hussamuddin (57kg) stood just one win away from booking a slot in India’s World Championships squad after they entered the finals of the men’s boxing Nationals here today. Reigning Asian gold medallist Sanjeet, representing Services, proved too strong for Delhi’s Harsh Kaushik as he registered a convincing 5-0 win. Another Services boxer, Hussamuddin, beat Sachin of Haryana 4-1. He will fight against Delhi’s Rohit Mor for the gold.

Later, 2015 World Championships bronze medallist Thapa recorded a dominating victory over Uttar Pradesh’s Abhishek Yadav, winning with a unanimous 5-0 verdict. Deepak (51kg), Akash (54kg), Etash Khan Muhammed (60kg), Akash (67kg), Sumit (75kg), Sachin Kumar (80kg), Lakshya (86kg) and Narender (+92kg) were the other SSCB boxers to make the finals.

Chandigarh’s Kuldeep Kumar (48kg) and Sagar (+92kg) also progressed.

For Karnataka, Nishant Dev booked a final berth in the 71kg category. — PTI