Asian Games 2018 | Shiva Thapa and Sarjubala Devi secure spot in Asian Games squad

The Indian boxing squad that will travel to Jakarta, Indonesia is shaping up to be a strong bunch of individuals who will aim for gold at the prestigious event later this year. After an incredible outing in this year’s Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, the Indian boxing contingent will aim for greater success in the in 2018 Asian Games which is scheduled to begin on August 18.

Most of the Indian boxing team was finalised without trials, based on performances in the international tournaments and the national camp, but the men’s 60kg and 64kg and the women’s 51kg division were confirmed following trials on Friday. Shiva Thapa, a former world championship bronze-medallist and a three-time Asian medallist, defeated Commonwealth Games silver-medallist Manish Kaushik to secure his spot in the 60kg category. In the men’s 64kg category, national champion Dheeraj Rangi defeated Rohit Tokas. 

Sarjubala Devi, on the other hand, got the better of former CWG bronze-winner Pinki Jangra to cement a spot in the 51kg category in the absence of the legendary Mary Kom. Kom had gone public after the Commonwealth Games itself that she would skip this year’s Asian Games and rest and recuperate after a tough season. The five-time world champion competed in four tournaments in the space of six months and claimed three gold medals and a silver.

“All the results were one-sided. The winners claimed unanimous victories and there was no doubt in anybody’s mind who had clinched the bouts,” coach who was present at the trials told PTI sources.

India contingent:

Men : Amit Panghal (49kg), Gaurav Solanki (52kg), Mohammed Hussamuddin (56kg), Shiva Thapa (60kg), Dheeraj Rangi (64kg), Manoj Kumar (69kg), Vikas Krishan (75kg). 

Women : Sarjubala Devi (51kg), Sonia Lather (57kg), Pavitra (60kg).