Analysing India’s boxing contingent at Rio 2016

Shiva Thapa (56 kg)

Ranked third in the world in Bantamweight in the world, Thapa is drawn to face Cuba’s Robeisy Ramirez, who is seeded sixth and won Gold at the 2012 London Olympics, albeit in the flyweight category.

Shiva Thapa became the youngest Indian boxer to qualify for the Olympics when he reached London 2012 at the age of 18, winning Gold at the Asian Olympic Qualifiers.

Though he got knocked out in the first round, his performance showed inexperience then and he is now in prime condition to win the country a medal.

Just 22, the youngster from Assam has become a good all-round boxer and has gained a lot of strength to go with his speed and quick reflexes, making him a tough nut to crack.