Shiva Thapa, the reigning Welterweight (60-65kg) champion from the previous edition, kicked off his title defence at the 8th Elite Men’s National Boxing Championship with a commanding victory on Day 2.

Representing Assam, Thapa, who made history as the youngest Indian boxer to qualify for the Olympics at London 2012, defeated Enayat Khan 5-0 in his opening bout, setting a strong tone for his campaign.