NEW DELHI, March 25 (PTI): A warning in the closing few seconds cost Shiva Thapa (56kg) dearly as the promising Indian boxer settled for a silver medal after going down narrowly in the final of the 43rd men�s and women�s Grand Prix in Usti nad Labem, Czech Republic.
Shiva, who has been picked in the Indian team for next month�s Asian Olympic Qualifiers in Kazakhstan, lost 7-10 to Vittorio Jahyn Parrinnelo of Italy after going neck and neck for most part of the bout.
The 20-year-old Assam-lad was handed a two-point penalty for bending just about 30 seconds from the close of the bout which ultimately proved decisive.
�It was 2-2 and 4-4 in the first two rounds respectively but in the final three minutes, he was warned for bending which probably cost him the bout. It was very disappointing,� coach Jagdeep Hooda, who is accompanying the team, told PTI from Usti nad Labem.
�Otherwise he fought exceptionally well. His defence was solid and he flummoxed his opponent with good foot movement as well,� he added.
