Indian boxer Shiva wins silver in Czech Grand Prix

New Delhi, March 25 (IANS) Boxer Shiva Thapa was Sunday out-pointed in the final of his 56kg bout as India finished the 43rd Boxing Grand Prix at Usti nad Labem, Czech Republic, with a silver and bronze.

According to information received here, Thapa came agonisingly close to claiming the bantam weight title but fell short in the last stretch losing 7-10 to Italian boxer Vittorio Jahyn Parrinnelo.

Thapa, who has already cemented his place in the Indian squad for the Asian Olympic Qualifying tournament to be held in Kazakhstan, exhibited great skill and execution throughout the tournament.

In the finals also, Thapa fought well but unfortunately ended up on the losing end and had to settle with a silver medal performance from the tour. Thapa started well keeping pace with his opponent for most part of bout and there was not much separating the two fighters.

After the opening three minutes of play the scores were level at 2-2, and 5-5 at the end of the second round. In the final round a warning given by the referee to Thapa, in the closing stages of the bout, for bending too much, cost him dearly. The two point penalty handed to the Indian boxer proved to be the decider.

"It was a not an easy fight, I was not happy with the warning, but I guess one has to live with it. It was a disappointing end to the tour. But I am happy with my overall performance," said Thapa in a statement.

Coach Jagdeep Hooda said the warning proved crucial.

"The warning given by the referee was the turning point of the game and its timing was decisive, there was not enough time for Shiva to come back from that setback. He fought really well, unfortunately ended up on the losing side. But overall he has put up a good show and bodes really well for his future," he said.

Asian Games gold medallist Vikas Krishan (69kg) lost his semi-final bout to Arisnoide Despaigne of Cuba amd settled for the bronze.

In the women's division Asian Games bronze medallist Kavita Goyat (75kg), Van Lal Duati (51kg) and Preeti Beniwal (60kg) also lost in the first round of the championship.