World Championships bronze-medallist Shiva Thapa (56kg) today became the first Indian boxer to make the cut for this year's Olympics by entering the Asian Qualifying Tournament's final in Qianan, China. Shiva sailed past 2013 World Championship bronze-medallist Kairat Yeraliyev of Kazakhstan in the semifinal. He will face second seed Chatchai Butdee of Thailand in the final tomorrow.But, it was heartbreak for another top seed, Mary Kom, who went down to Ren Cancan of China in the semifinals, which will only translate into a bronze medal for her. However, Mary Kom has another chance of qualifying for the Rio Games during the World Championships in May. Another Indian in fray in the men's draw , fourth seed L Devendro Singh (49kg) lost to top seed Rogen Ladon of Mongolia in the semifinals. Assured of a bronze medal, Devendro will now fight it out for an Olympic quota place by taking on Mongolia's third-seeded Gan Erdene Gankhuyag tomorrow.
News On AIR | March 31, 2016 8:54 PM
Boxer Shiv Thapa qualifies for 2016 Olympics