Skip to content Skip to navigation

I was born to be a boxer – Shiva Thapa

He played soccer like any other next door guy, cricket never could fascinate him and barely at 7 he donned the boxing gloves that brought international gold medal for the nation and glory for the 16 years old boxer from Assam. Promising young Indian boxer Shiva Thapa in an exclusive interview with Nanda Kirati Dewan at his Birubari residence in Guwahati spoke his heart out. In a reply to a question “If not a boxer What would Shiva Thapa be?”….. After a pause with a sweet innocent smile “Sir, I was born to be a Boxer.” Recently Shiva won a bronze medal at the World Junior Boxing Championship in Armenia. Here are the excerpts of interview


NKD: Shiva, Congratulations for the laurels you brought for the nation and state!


Shiva: Its my pleasure and I m really honoured. Thank You Sir.


NKD: Shiva be formal…. No more Sir OK.


Shiva: No Sir…. I am OK.


NKD: But I m not OK dear … Shiva how did boxing happen?


Shiva. Initially like any other next-door guy I too played soccer and I need to admit that I was good with soccer too. Later at one staged I tried myself with taekwondo also and I excelled in it too. But finally under my father I took up an individual game as my brother Gobind Thapa is also a boxer. I was only 7 years when I donned the boxing gloves.


NKD: Where were you trained initially?


Shiva: Initially I was trained in this room (We are in the drawing room of Mr. Padam Thapa’s residence where medals, citations, trophies, jhapis and other felicitated decorative items were decorated) by my father. I should say that my father Padam Thapa is a cultured sportsman and has this spirit even today. He is first coach. It was he who took me to Sports Authority of India (SAI), Guwahati and got admitted their for nurturing my talent at that time I was barely 7.


NKD: Technically boxing is known to be a power game. How does Shiva generate that power?


Shiva: The concept that boxing as a power game; as a boxer totally disagree with it. Boxing is more a mind game. More than a healthy person an intelligent man with good fitness can take up this game. It is not that the hard hit gets point. Boxing today more than a power is a mind game.


I work out everyday in the gym, go for a morning walk early morning, eat lot of salad and drink adequate water. I avoid junk and oily food. I take a total balanced diet as suggested by my coach and federation. And the best part I practice everyday.


NKD: How do you plan your game in the ring? Not the secrets but the truths that every body has seen you?


Shiva: There is no harm sharing secrets to you because game plan is always very flexible. It differs from game to game and opponent. For instance if my opponent is tall I would prefer to play like a tempo boxer. The best thing is to “Float like a Butterfly and Sting like a Bee” by Mohammad Ali. However my idol is Mike Tyson.


NKD: Then Shiva idolizes Mike Tyson? What do you like about him. How would you react on meeting him?


Shiva: Yes Mike Tyson has been my idol before I donned the boxing gloves. I saw him playing this game on television when I was 6 as my boxer brother used to watch it. I like Tyson’s respect and love for the game. He executes each punch so skillfully that he always tries gaining a point from every punch he blows. His techniques are fabulous I wish I could learn his techniques in future. His will power and fitness is also enviable.


Meeting Tyson would be a part of dream coming true. However my dream and aim is only one to bag a gold medal at the Olympics donning the tri-colour for my country. I would love to meet him in any of the international event or at the 2012 Olympics. On meeting as per a tradition of my nation and Gorkha community I would bow before him and seek his blessing.


NKD: I wish all your dreams comes true. The nation’s blessings and best wishes are always with you.


Shiva: Thank You. I would love to make my countrymen proud and I seek their prayers and blessings. I thank all my country men for their support till date I hope the shower of love and blessing would continue on me till I answer them with a gold medal at the Olympics and even there after….


NKD: What are you doing as of now other than boxing?


Shiva: I am 12th class student in Poona College. Academically too I am not crammer I secured 1st division in my HSLC exam as well I have several times topped my class. Recently I passed my 10+1 exam and enrolled myself 12th std. I stay in Pune and getting trained at Army Sports Institute (ASI), Pune under Mission Olympics. However my interests are 80% on boxing and 20% on studies. I skip lot of classes following my practice session and events. Before my induction into the institute, I learnt to trade punches at the Sports Authority of India centre in Guwahati under coach Amar Deka. While representing the state, I won my first the Sub-Junior Nationals three years ago. It was at the ASI Pune where they selected me for the boys scouts programme,


NKD: You were noticed as a amateur boxer by Assam when bagged Gold in Titabor Jorhat at All Assam Invitational Junior/ Sub Junior tourney in 2004. When was Shiva noticed as a pugilist by the country?


Shiva: It was at the 21st Sub- Junior National Boxing Championship 2005 in Noida UP where I ended up with a gold medal after beating services boxer having very good tract record. It was my first national appearance. Assam recognized me as a boxer the day I joined SAI Guwahati and donned the gloves.


NKD: How does it feel the country recognizing Shiva Thapa as an international boxer whose family has a record of serving the nation in defence?


Shiva: My ancestor has served the nation as defense personnel and I got the opportunity of serving the nation as a pugilists. It really feels proud wrapping the tri-colour standing in front of the globe. My first international appearance for my country was at the Hyder Aliyeve Cup at Azarbaizan in Russia in 2008 where I won a gold medal. My country erupted with joy and cheered me. Out of love and encouragement they nicknamed me “SHIVA ALI” after Mohammad Ali-the veteran Indian pugilist.


NKD: How do you feel to be known as a Gorkha of Assam in a national side?


Shiva: Many veteran Gorkhas have palyed for this country. Ace shooter Jaspal Rana, Arjuna awardee Jaslal Pradhan, sensational footballer Sunil Chetri to name a few. I am one just Indian citizen. It doesnot make me feel different as a Gorkha but I am proud to have donned the tricolour. I as a Gorkha of Assam have been an integral part composite Assamese society. My community has been a mainstream ethnic community of Assam as I have learnt. Assam applauds my success and encourages me. It is really great feeling. Not only the Gorkhas, people of entire North East have extended huge support for me at the national events. I am pleased to have represented the North East.


NKD: On writing “Gorkhali” as your mother tongue in your International profile?


Shiva: - Everyone knows about an Independent nation Nepal which our closed neighbour. The citizen of Nepal writes Nepali as their citizen and mother tongue. If I use Nepali anywhere in my profile I would go to represent Nepal. My mentors in Pune tell me that Indian constitution recognizes Nepali language as Gorkhali in the constitution so in order to avoid confusion in the international arena I recognize myself as a Gorkha. My grandfather was a Gorkha soldier and I am a Gorkha boxer certainly not Nepali.


NKD: Your happiest moment?


Shiva: To be honest with you. The gold medal at Hyder Aliyeve Cup at Baku in Azerbaijan in Russia was my happiest moment. I am the 1st Indian ever till date to have won a gold medal in this tournament. My gold came in the 50kg category against Azerbaijan’s Gurbanzade Saikhan.


NKD: Tell us something about your family?


Shiva: I am the most pampered and youngest in my family. My father by profession a small-scale business man owing small steel furniture shop a leading telecom franchisee in Guwahati. My brother Gobind Thapa is a silver medallist boxer at the 33rd Guwahati National Games. All four of my sisters are very supportive. My mother Goma Thapa is a house wife.


NKD: Apart from boxing what does Shiva love to do in leisure time?


Shiva: I listen to music a lot. I listen scores of English, Nepali, Hindi and Assamese music. I am tuned with music than the lyrics. It energizes me as it gives relaxation after practice. Whenever I have sufficient leisure time I love to swim. I do all activities like any guy of my age does.


NKD: How does this golden boxer handle success?


Shiva: I am never carried away by success. Fame coming by the way of my success is a moral booster. Organisation from different background has felicitated me. I thank them all through you.


NKD: “If not a boxer What would Shiva Thapa be?”


Shiva: After a pause with a sweet innocent smile ...…..“Sir, I was born to be a Boxer.”


NKD: Your take on our conversation?


Shiva: Honestly more than interview it was like a chat at my home with a relative. Anyways it was really very pleasant talking to you. Thank you for your efforts to highlight me in your esteemed publication. I look forward for your association in future too.


NKD: Sure Shiva. Thank you for sparing your valuable time with me.


Shiva: Mention not. Lets go for lunch Sir.


NKD: Finally one sentence for budding pugilists..


Shiva: “Float like a Butterfly and Sting like a Bee”


NKD: All the Best for your future Shiva.


Shiva: Thank You Sir.


Thereafter Shiva started packing off his luggage as he was leaving Pune that evening and thereafter to Uzbekistan for two months. He is also all set to play for Assam at the 34th National Games in Jharkhand. He is expected to represent India at the Commonwealth Games in 2010 in New Delhi. The pugilist is confident of booking a ticket to London 2012 Olympics and bring home a gold medal.

Comments

ganga's picture

hello shiva first of all congradulation to you on your victory u make assam proud so us .U beg a medal in a world junior boxing ,this is a first time in a history of assam in junior level hope to see u in a coming tournament . BEST OF LUCK for d future goals my best wishes is always wid u .GOD BLESS u LOVE u musa,
k k pradhan's picture

Thank you Nanda Bhai, good coverage and informative about Shiva or other wise I would have never known this future Tyson Thapa who is my just neighbour. I wish Shiva to "float like a butterfly and sting like a bee" and win many laurel for the country. Seriouslly thinking why not form a Shiva Thapa fan club and help the champion financially to equip him to become champion of chamions.
Dorika's picture

Mahadev Deka from Assam wins Mr. Universe title in body-building in Miami, US. Event took place on June 21, 2009. No news coverage as yet..........
sita's picture

THANK U Mr pradhan for great thought we r also planing too,so a champion can become a champion of champion.if u have any mark do sugest us .A VERY thankful to u .
Rashmi's picture

Thanks Nanda for the article on Shiva Thapa. He'd got India a GOLD last year too. Good for him! Keep the flag flying Shiva Thapa!
dilip gupta's picture

Hi Shiva Thapa,we came to know all abt your life, your choices and the motto in Boxing carriear.We loved your spirit towards Boxing.we are proud to be(Aakhomia) Assamese.Thanks.We would like to see you in TINSUKIA,where very recently form a district boxing Association.
ram's picture

Hi Shiva Thapa,Congratulation at first I proud of my title we came to know all abt your life,& May God gives you a Many Many Pleasure on your life your choices and the motto in Boxing carriear.We loved your spirit towards Boxing.we are proud to beThanks.We would like to see you in Delhi Noida,Ph-09958429717
tridib's picture

we are proud for your achievements. u have done a great job and gave significane to ASSAM in International arena of Boxing. carry on ...

Pages

Add new comment

Assamese Translator

Assam Times seeks English to Assamese translators!
Join our volunteer team.
Email editor@assamtimes.org.

Random Stories

Indo-Bangla border fencng, infiltration to come up in BSF-BDR meeting

8 Apr 2008 - 6:04pm | editor
The crucial BSF-BDR meeting begins in New elhi on Tuesday to discuss a number of problems confrnting India and its neighbouring Bangladesh. According to information, infiltration from across the...

ADSU, DSU, DMA submit memo to DC

15 Oct 2011 - 5:31pm | Anup Biswas
Urging to nab the culprits, of anti- social acts, by miscreants and immediate steps to provide Securities to the General public the All Dimasa Students’ Union, Dimasa Students’ Union...

HS Exam begins

12 Feb 2014 - 8:52am | AT News
Assam Higher secondary examination begins in science, arts and commerce streams on Wednesday.According to the Assam Higher Secondary Education Council over 2,54,000 candidates are appearing  ...

Jothai beat Sanswrang

10 Nov 2015 - 8:58am | Hantigiri Narzary
Jothai SC from Gendrabil beat Sanswrang SC from Serfanguri 2-0 in Monday's match of Martyrs Gold Cup football championship being played at KDSA ground in Kokrajhar. Rakheb Basumatary and...

Other Contents by Author

A six member delegation of Assam Press Correspondent Union (APCU) today met Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and submitted a memorandum demanding adequate compensation to killed scribe and books the culprits. The Amar Asom correspondent from Kokrajhar was shot dead by unidentified miscreants on 22nd November 2008 in day light in Kokrajhar. APCU also demanded that the responsibility of the education of the girl child should be borned by the government and provide a government aided job to the victim's wife. The 30 year deceased journalist left behind a 2 year old girl child and his wife. According to Zuhakar Ali a member of APCU, the CM has declared a compensation of Rs. 3 lakh to the family of...
As the state is hosting international sports event in Guwahati, this winter city is witnessing international tennis ranking tournament. ITF Junior, the world junior ranking tournament for boys and girls started off at Chachal Tennis Court in Guwahati on Monday. The world level tennis championship is organised by the All Assam Tennis Association at their Chachal complex here.Players from countries like France, USA, Russia, Kazakkistan, Kirgistan along with host India will be seen action in the six-day meet. Competitions will be conducted in both singles and doubles for the boys and girls.The singles competition in both the categories will have 32 draws which will have 24 direct entries....
Guwahati based model and event organizer mother a daughter Meenu Paul of Assam was crowned the 3rd Darpan Mrs India North East title, the highly coveted beauty pageant for the married women in the Noth East, during a glittering function at the Pragjyotika ITA Centre auditorium for performing Arts on Saturday.The 1st runner-up title went to Ananya Auttri of Assam, while Temjennkro Jamir of Nagaland bagged the second runner-up title.Organised by the Epitome Educational Society under the banner of Darpan, a chain of beauty training institutes of the State, the pageant has been held with the motive of giving a platform to showcase the talents and potentials of the married women of this part of...
The decade edition of "Signature Award " instituted by Siganture Training Centre a chain of hair styling and beauty clinic in the Northeast owned and managed by very popular and internationally acclaimed spa beautician Madumita Patwary Saikia was presented in a colourful ceremony at the Srimanta Shankardeva Kalashetra auditorium in Guwahati recently. The event tested the make-up and hairstyle presentation skills of contestants in the glamour world. All together 27 contestants came up with innovative styles and ideas in the Signature Awards 2008 to captivate the judges and audience alike in two rounds — traditional and fantasy — but at the end of it, Mitali Gogoi (...
Leader of the car market in India Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. unveiled its all new car world strategic model A-Star car in Guwahati today. As stated in a media conference the car is powered by new state of art, light weight, 988cc, K10B petrol engine. The car is the best in class fuel efficient car with a mileage of 19.59 kms/l as tested by ARAI Pune nation's premier automotive research agency.The newest model eco-friendly uncompromisingly green car meets the European EV norms which imply that 85% of car is recyclable and it is free from hazardous materials like Lead, Cadmium, Mercury and Chromium. It is Maruti Suzuki's 8th car in less than 40 months that has been designed keeping in mind the...
Dam Sau Bishwa Gogoi renown Ahom priest also former President; Eastern Tai Sahitya Sabha , Guwahati District Committee and a Social activist passed away this morning in his Hatigoan residence in Guwahati. Dam Sau was born at Azad Rangpuriya goan in Lakhimpur. His cremation took place at Nabagraha cremation ground on Tuesday amongst his well-wishers and family. Dam Sau Gogoi was popular amongst the Ahom community in Assam was related with research of Ahoms and Tai literature a furenal attendant said. Reasons of death is though cited health reasons but it can be predicted that it was due old age ailments.
The joint steering committee meeting of All Assam Gorkha Students' Union (AAGSU) and Gorkha Autnomous Council Demand Committee (GACDC) - political wing of AAGSU has decided to organise a peace and protest rally state wide against growing terrorism in the state in particular and in the nation in general on 17th November 2008, Monday in all the district headquaters. At a press conference at Guwahati, AAGSU President Dil Bahadur Limboo informed that the state has witnessed severe terrorism problems over the past few years the situation over the few months have been terrific and horrible. The octogenarian leader also condemned the recent killing of two Gorkha youths and injuring some others by...
A medical camp was organized at Hudakona on 12 Nov 2008 by the 4 KUMAON Regiment of Double First Brigade of the Red Horns Division. The medical camp was inaugurated by Officiating CO, 4 KUMAON. 07 Army Doctors along with 16 Civilian Doctors provided medical aid to more than 5000 patients of the remote villages of Assam and Meghalaya. The sincere effort of Army towards amelioration of the condition of sick and suffering population residing in the remote villages near Hudakona, Goalpara District was deeply appreciated by the villagers as it provided them medical facilities at their doorstep. There were people of all age groups in attendance, some of them coming from very remote villages....
Emergency Management Research Institute (EMRI) in association with NHRM and Health and Family Welfare department of the Assam Government on Thursday was launched "Mrityunjoy 108" emergency response services in the state. Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and health minister Dr. Himanata Bishwa Sharma flagged off 20 Mrituinjoy 108 ambulances from Machkhowa ITA Complex. EMRI is available on dialing 108 helpline number accessible from both cellular and landline phones will take care of police, fire and medical assistances. Later in a media conference at Indira Gandhi Athletics Stadium, Sarusajai Sports Complex Venkat Changavalli; EMRI CEO briefed the project. 23 private hospitals have been...
It was a Black Thursday on October 30. Terrorists struck in Assam with as many nine blasts, mostly in Guwahati-the gateway to the north eastern India. The bombings that took the lives of more than 88 people has once again proved beyond doubt that the suspected Islamic Jehadi fundamentalists are going active in the region. It is the deadliest ever terror attack on Assam the hunting and dwelling ground for growing Islamic fundamentalist the Bangladeshis posing a serious threat to the sovereignty and integrity of an independent country. The entire incident can be the warm up activities for the Jehadi forces towards the formation of the proposed Islamistan.Assam is a state garlanded by...