Birmingham: Veteran Indian boxer Shiva Thapa made a stellar start to his Commonwealth Games campaign by defeating Suleiman Baloch of Pakistan to enter the pre-quarterfinals in the 63.5kg category. Former Asian champion Thapa, who could not make it to the Tokyo Olympics last year, made a brilliant debut in the welter weight category after winning a one-sided match 5-0.

The judges took this decision unanimously. Thapa, who lost in the pre-quarterfinals at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2014, will now face Reese Lynch of Scotland in the last 16. The Indian challenge in boxing is being led by world champion Nikhat Zareen, Olympic medalist Lovlina Borgohain and World Championship silver medalist Amit Panghal.

India won three gold, three silver and three bronze medals in boxing at the Gold Coast Games. Thapa, a five-time Asian Championships medalist, was technically much better than Baloch and delivered a scintillating punch. The former World Championship bronze medalist showed great agility inside the ring. At one point, Baloch even went ahead to punch him but Thapa agility backed down and the Pakistani boxer fell.

After the victory, Thapa said, "I am desperate to win a medal in the Commonwealth Games. Sometimes there is good performance under pressure too. We all have come here with the intention of winning the gold medal. Here Lovlina Borgohain's first match will be on Saturday. She was trying to leave the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony on Thursday and return to Khelgaon due to her preparation and practice, but she did not get a ride.