Rio 2016 Olympics: Indian Boxer Shiva Thapa qualifies for showpiece event after entering final of Asian qualifiers

New Delhi: Shiva Thapa has qualified for the upcoming Rio Olympics 2016 in the 56kg event after entering into the final at Asian Olympic qualifier.

Shiva became the first Indian boxer to qualify for the Rio Olympics so far.

The boxing star defeated Kairat Yeraliyev 3-0 in the semi-finals.

Thapa said on Thursday that he was very worked up about this bout and that it was very important for him.

"I want to thank god for having managed to achieve this. I was very worked up about this bout, it was the most important bout for me. So I am totally exhausted and relieved at the same time," Shiva told PTI.

Thapa also hopes to live up to the expectations by bringing a medal and also thanked his coaches.

"I have very little time at hand for rest and recovery as the final bout is tomorrow itself. So, it's slowly sinking in. I can't thank enough my coaches and all those who supported me in this journey. I hope to come good on expectations this time by winning an Olympic medal," he said.

Earlier, in the London 2012 Olympics event, Shiva was the youngest Indian boxer ever to qualify for the Olympics.

Meanwhile, 2008 Olympics winner Vijender Singh congratulated Shiva for his qualification.

Congratulations @shivathapa qualify for #Rio2016pic.twitter.com/0m6dMTlLt9

— Vijender Singh (@boxervijender) March 31, 2016