Shiva Thapa on Thursday became the first Indian boxer to qualify for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janiero after defeating Kairat Yeraliyev of Kazakhstan in the semifinals of the AIBA Asian and Oceanic Olympic qualifiers in Qian’an, China.

The 22-year-old Thapa booked his second Olympic appearance after comprehensively defeating Yeraliyev in the semi-finals in the 56 kg category. Unfortunately, on the women's side, Mary Kom failed to get past Ren Cancan in the 61 kg category, which means had to settle for bronze and missed out on a guaranteed spot at the mega-event. However, she still has a chance to qualify during the World Championships in May.

"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," said Thapa to PTI.