Shiva Thapa, six others enter semifinals of Olympic Test event for boxing

Tokyo, Oct 29 (PTI) Four-time Asian medallist Shiva Thapa (63kg) secured himself a medal at Olympic Test event for boxing by winning his quarterfinal bout on Tuesday while six or Indians me last-four st without even stepping inside ring here.

Thapa overpowered local favourite Yuki Hirakawa in a 5-0 verdict to fight his way into medal rounds. seasoned boxer from Assam claimed his third national title earlier this month. He will be up against ar Japanese, Daisuke Narimatsu, in semifinals on Wednesday. Narimatsu got a bye in opening round.

However, for his six or compatriots, including former junior world champion Nikhat Zareen (51kg), a medal was guaranteed without a fight as y eir got byes or were helped by small size of ir respective draws. Apart from Zareen, Asian silver-medallist Sumit Sangwan (91kg), Ashish (69kg), Vanhlimpuia (75kg), Simranjeet Kaur (60kg) and Pooja Rani (75kg) have me semifinals.

Sangwan, who was crowned national champion earlier this month, will square off against Kazakhstan's Aibek Oralbay. Zareen, who hit helines recently for a bitter row over selection for next year's Olympic qualifiers where six-time world champion M C Mary Kom has been preferred over her without a trial, will face Japan's Sana Kawa on Wednesday.

Former Asian Games bronze-medallist Rani will be up against Brazil's Beatriz Soares. Rani h won a silver medal at Asina Championships earlier this year. Opponents for or Indian boxers will be kwn later after quarterfinal bouts conclude on Tuesday evening. only disappointment for country's contingent was quarterfinal exit of Anant Choapde, who went down 2-3 in a hard-fought contest against local hope Tosho Kashiwasaki.