It felt like I beat the virus: Shiva Thapa talks about record 5th Asian medal

New Delhi, May 27 (PTI): Shiva Thapa still can’t quite believe that securing a fifth successive medal at the prestigious Asian Boxing Championships is “some sort of an unparalleled achievement”.
All he felt after being assured of it was a “sense of triumph over that wretched coronavirus.”
The 27-year-old became the most successful Indian male boxer in the history of the tournament by advancing to the semifinals of the ongoing edition in Dubai. His first was a gold in 2013, followed by a bronze in 2015, a silver in 2017 and another bronze in 2019.
“Wow! I didn’t really know that it would mean so much statistically,” the seasoned boxer told PTI from Dubai as he geared up for the 64kg category semifinal clash against defending champion Bakhodur Usmonov of Tajikistan on Friday.
“I never thought I would be the first to do something like this. It is a good record to have against your name. Also makes me realise how time has flown. Is it that long since I first competed at Asian championship?” he wondered. So which among the five is his favourite?
“Every medal has its own story, there can’t be favourites. Through these medals, I have been part of different teams, worked with different coaches. I am the constant along with a handful of people who have stood by me through everything,” he said.