Tags:
Journalism of Courage
Shiva Thapa and Vikas Krishan may belong to opposite corners of India but when it comes to winning medals in major competitions,the duo have been together since their sub-junior days.
Room mates for long,the tradition was not broken at the recently concluded Czech Grand Prix,from where Thapa and Krishan returned on Monday with silver and bronze respectively.
Pushed into boxing by his father Padam Thapa at the SAI Centre,Guwahati,Thapa graduated to the senior level after regular wins on the international junior circuit and was soon inducted into the national camp at NIS Patiala. He,however,had to wait to make the cut with the Indian squad,since 2006 CWG gold medalist Akhil Kumar was the first choice in his weight category. But victory against then World Champion Delaklive Detelin of Bulgaria in Belgrade Cup last year and Akhils recent injury saw Thapa make the grade for the Olympic qualifiers to be held at Astana,Kazakhstan from April 5.
Krishan,meanwhile,has already qualified for London with a bronze medal in the World Championships last year. And Thapa,who will be vying for the Asian quota places at Astana,is keen to ensure that being together at major events continues at the Olympics. Vikas has been a motivation for me. When he qualified,he called me from Milan and has always encouraged me. He has been giving me tips on body movement and sometimes also acts as my sparring partner. It will be tough at Astana but I do hope to qualify, Thapa said.
With boxers from Kazakhstan,Uzbekistan and Mongolia a threat in his weight category,Thapa knows his road to London will be tough,but he is ready for the challenge. Who knows,we may both win medals together again,this time in London, he says.
