The record six-time Asian medallist Shiva Thapa and 2022 and Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Rohit Tokas produced sensational performances on the third day and progressed to the quarterfinals of the 6th Elite Men's National Boxing Championships here on Monday.
Representing Assam, Thapa (63.5kg) was up against Jaswinder Singh of Delhi in his Round-of-16 bout. Living up to his name, the 2015 World Championships bronze medallist utilised his experience and supreme technical ability to dominate the bout and secured the win by unanimous decision. He will face the winner of the bout between Sanu T. of Kerala and Ashutosh Kumar of Punjab in his quarter-final bout on Wednesday.
Tokas (67kg), who is representing Railway Sports Promotion Board (RSPB), faced Jai Singh of Chhattisgarh and just like Thapa, put up a stellar performance. Courtesy of his attacking brilliance, Tokas had the upper hand over his opponent and managed to keep him quiet throughout the bout. He sealed a well-deserved 5:0 win and will take to the ring against the winner of the bout between All India Police's Nishchaya and Haryana's Aman Duhan in the quarterfinals on Wednesday.
