I’m very surprised and shocked at the same time, says Shiva Thapa after IOC’s recommendation on AIBA

The International Olympic Committee has now recommended that the International Boxing Association (AIBA) should be restricted from organising the boxing competitions at the Tokyo Olympics next year. The Executive Board of the IOC recommended on Wednesday, however, also said that the sport will still be a part of the sporting extravaganza in Japan in 2020. 

The Boxing World Championships will be played before the Olympics in September-October and as per the previous format, it was the qualification event for the Olympics. However, there are reports that now that might not be the case for the pugilists to make it to the Olympics.

Reacting to the recent development regarding boxing in the Olympics, World Championship bronze medallist Shiva Thapa has said that he is shocked and surprised with the recommendations. 

“I’m very surprised and shocked at the same time. I think it’s really shocking for the whole boxing fraternity. We are all aiming to qualify for the Olympics from the World Championships, and were working really hard for it. Now we will have to wait and watch,” Thapa told PTI.

“However, we are prepared to face any scenario. The prime target is to qualify for Tokyo Olympics. It does not change plans. I’m looking forward to my upcoming tournaments now. World Championships will obviously be there, I hope the qualifiers also take place.”