MY SHORT BOXING CAREER :
I am Nam Sing Thapa Phal Magar. I would be very pleased to explain about my Short Boxing Career in my life journey.
There are various kinds of sports and games gathering all youth’s athletes of the Countries competing the main Olympic Games in every four years’ time. These sports and games keep your body healthy, energetic, strong, endurance and feeling well both physically and mentally. It plays a vital role in army as well as in your individual life career. I am sure you have heard the proverb as saying “The health is wealth”. Boxing is one of the most popular sports of great skill and physical toughness in the world. It is an individual star performance in the Boxing ring, which requires a huge amount of fast moving, punching, dodging, endurance finesses.
The arduous trainings is very essential:
To be a good Boxer you must undergo arduous, stamina
exercises and mental and physically fitness’s. You need to run early in the
morning and in the evening with carrying bricks or stones if possible in both
hands for at least 15 miles each time daily as routine. Other training and
exercises included skipping, weight lifting, sparring, shadow boxing, press
ups, strong punches as fast as you can on the punching bags, fast balancing
foot work, paring, Boxing training with various sized opponents practically,
you need to watch the opponent’s punches instantly or dodging like a flashlight
in the Boxing Ring.
The main Diet:
A good boxer must have a very light diet of mostly
proteins and vitamins foods. It does not permit heavy drinking, fats, oil,
chilies or spicy curries. Alcohol and smoking is prohibited.
Boxing Career:
I started my Boxing Career while I was 14 years old
when I joined as a Boy in the Boys’ Company the Brigade of Gurkhas at Sungei
Patani, Malaya 1960. At that time I could not bear, hearing the word “boxing”
but it was compulsory as a Boy in Boys’ Company the Brigade of Gurkhas.
Adventure trainings, skilled vehicle mechanics, Carpentry, First- Aid training, athletics etc. There were many sports opportunities i.e. Cricket, Hockey, Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Gymnastic, swimming, Boxing, Athletic etc. At beginning as Junior Boy, it was compulsory to sleep after lunch 2pm-3.30pm. Then have sports 3.30 pm– 5pm. We were issued a spoon of Cod liver oil, A bottle of Fresh Milk daily as junior Boys compulsory even I hate to take it. On 3rd year as Senior Boys we were taught as main soldiers weapons skills military training, i.e. Drill parade, road marching10kms, Rifle Bayonet fighting, live firing, classification must be marksmanship. Field craft, patrolling, ambushing, harboring, camouflaging, Jungle trainings etc. Fit as a professional soldier. I was very happy and found wonderful, after completing my 3years toughest training physically and mentally in Boys’ Company, the Brigade of Gurkhas, Sungei Patani, Kedah. Malaya 1962. All Boys were happy; they got on their choices regiments or in the corps. But I am not allowed on my selection unit. The OC (Officer Commanding) was Maj. Tregunza from 2nd Battalion 6th Queen Elizabeth’s Own Gurkha Rifles; He briefed me you must go to your parent Regiment. So I have to respect and obey my superior’s then I agreed to my dad’s regiment 2nd 6th Queen Elizabeth’s Own Gurkha Rifles.
2nd Battalion 6th Queen Elizabeth’s Own Gurkha Rifles
As saying “ Join the British Army and go around the world” I was very excited and in flying color. We were total 5 soldiers transferred to 2nd Battalion 6th Queen Elizabeth’s Own Gurkha Rifles.
The Boxing was introduced in the Battalions the Brigade of Gurkhas. I was selected as a 3” Mortar man in the Support Platoon attached to D’ Company 2/6 th Queen Elizabeth’s Own Gurkha Rifles (6GR). At that time there were some rear Rank & Files from daju 1st Battalion 6th Queen Elizabeth’s Own Gurkha Rifles (1/6 GR) stationed in Tid Worth, UK. The most rooms were double stacked single bedsteads. The manpower of the battalion was not less than 1500 Rank & Files crowded. It was really difficult with a long queue at the Dinning Hall and during collection of personal weapons in the armory with the metal disc.
The Battalion had arranged to select the best Boxer and had co-planned for inter company boxing matches. I was encouraged and nominated by my platoon commander. Heaven knows what he said but I was annoyed. I had to realize as soldiers, it is the prime duty to obey the superiors and give them respect so, I agreed I boxed my way in the Battalion, the Brigade of Gurkhas and was good enough to hold the Individual Boxing Champion in the Companies in the Battalion up to the Brigade of Gurkhas, after that I was selected for the Land Forces Boxing Individual Championship held at Gun Club Hill Hong Kong, My opponent was from the 2nd Royal Green Jacket Regiment on 19.12.1963. I was so strong that my opponent was knocked down in the second round then I was the Winner of Land Forces Individual Championship in Hong Kong. I involved in Boxing for other exhibition matches in Hong Kong.
AMATEUR
Amateur fighters wear shorts, vests and shoes. For protection they wear a gum shield, groin guard and leather head guard. Contests are held over three, two- minute rounds, Points are scored for every legal punches landed with the knuckle portion of the glove(painted white) and the run for the whole flight, not for individual rounds.
SOUTHPAW
A boxer stance and method of fighting is either described as orthodox (left arm and foot forward) or southpaw (right arm and foot forward) A southpaw is usually someone who is left – handed using their right hand for jabs and their left for power punches and hooks. Some particularly dexterous fighters are able to switch between styles during bouts. Because most fighters are orthodox, a southpaw opponent can be tricky proposition, requiring an altered set of tactics.
FARELF (Far East Land Forces) Boxing Individual Championship Winner 1963/64
I was selected for the Far East Land Forces (FARELF) Individual Boxing Championship was held in Singapore. I was the only a Gurkha selected from Hong Kong, Malaya Singapore and Penang for the FARELF (Far East Land Forces Individual Boxing Championship). I departed from Kai Tak International Airport Hong Kong to Chingi Airport Singapore on 6.4.1964. The D- Day was on 9.4.1964. The Boxing Ring was in open area. That night a huge crowded soldiers/civilian etc. spectators were a huge gathered from the Royal Air Forces, Royal Navy, Army Battalions, Corps etc. were magnificently over crowded. After a time my turn came up I went into the ring the crowd gave me the most favor in applauding and cheering I was the only Gurkha taking part in the FARELF Army Boxing Individual championship, alter announcing the fight the warning bell for the first round sounded in my ears seeing nothing before me I went speedily into the middle of the Boxing Ring. The tactic of the ring is much easier attacking him around the Boxing ring. Avoiding getting trapped at the corners of the ring, causing the opponent to get exhausted quickly and losing the strength needed. I was so hysterical that I could not even remember the opponent’s name I knew that he had fought in Bantam weight in Land Forces Championship Hong Kong and was reduced to fly weight to flight me concerning myself I think it was an extremely good performance in the completed three round I tried my best to knock him down. He was over weight 12 pounds hence heavier than me. I attacked him with punches many times soon the referee collected the mark sheets from the judges. Then the referee called us into the middle of the Boxing ring grabbing our hands. He announced the fight was won by the red corner and raised my hand up in the air the applause and cheering filled my ears it was my greatest Boxing career achievement. The commander in chief General FARELF (Far East Land Forces) kindly shook hands Congratulating and thanks me then presented the trophy and bind the Silver belt “ All India Belt” on my waist I was extremely proud and excited to receive the “All India Silver Belt” Fly Weight worth more than S$25,000. and the FARELF(Far East Land Forces Boxing Individual Championship winner shield.
After the boxing match completed.
I went to bed to get a good sleep which I found impossible all the part of my body were in pains I could not even move my hands properly the muscles had tensed up.
On arrival in my Battalion 2/6 GR, warm welcome, heartily, congratulating shook hands
By the CO
(Commanding Officer) Lt. Col. AS. Harvey OBE. MC – 1963 – 1966
GM (Gurkha
Major) Maj. (QGO) Khusiman Gurung – 1962 - 1966
RSM(Regimental Sergeant Major) WO1 Birkharaj Gurung
later Gurkha Officer,
Ali
BOs/GOs/Rank & Files applauded and congratulated to me in Gallipoli
Barracks, Sanwai Camp. Hong Kong. I was
very impressive and exciting. The credit goes to all Brigade of Gurkhas for the
good name of Gurkhas on holding the title of the Far East Land Forces
Individual Boxing Championship 1963/64.
Hong Kong Colony Boxing Individual Championship 1964
I was selected again for Hong Kong Amateur Boxing Association then won the most Chinese opponent Boxers. Then the Final Boxing Match was held with a Corporal cannot remembered his name came from RAF Singapore with his family. I (TKO) Technical knocked Out him several times. At the end of the Boxing match, it was unfair decision made surprised, pointing out he was the winner, sudden the huge crowded Chinese spectators were shouted, roaring, upset thrown NEWS papers, rotten eggs, apples etc. all over the Boxing ring. It was very shamed. Instantly next day evening I was invited arranging Buffet in the Hill Top Hotel at Hong Kong Island. Maj. JS Keen and myself went there in the Hill Top Hotel My opponent the winner was already disappeared said flight back Singapore instantly already. The Hong Kong Boxing Association requested/offering me to stay life time for Professor Boxer in Hong Kong requesting/handed me the application forms for my agreement signatures. Maj. JS Keen had rejected and so I did the offering. Agreements. Then I was called at the stage then handed me the Best Improved Boxer of the Year 1964. It was wonderful night given the main party for me. It was then published at NEWS paper for reflection on winner of the Hong Kong British colony Individual Championship Belt.
Boxing Olympic Games 1964 Tokyo Japan
Trainings: We four boxers were selected and briefed by the Boxing Manager Maj. JS Keen OC C’ Company 2/6 G R giving us a high morale to us, on participating First time Nepal’s representative in Olympic Games 1964, even lose not to worry. We will attempt in next 1968 Olympic Games etc. Late Mr.. Billy Tingle, an Australian Fly weight tittle Boxing championship holder was British Children School Teacher in Hong Kong, was the finest boxing coacher and he was with us for 15 months full swing training. Late Staff Sergeant Des Burgess APTI, (Army Physical Training Instructor) Masseur and Athletic Coacher trained us in the professionally arduous exercises i.e. Running, Skipping, sparring,, shadow boxing, punching, weight lifting, rope climbing in the Gymnasium etc.
Four boxer including S/Sgt. Des Burgess departed from kai Tak Airport on the 5th October 1964 in a Military plane “Hercules”. The flight stopped in Saigon for one hour fueling. After six hours in the air we landed in Okinawa (The American Air Forces base Camp). We were lucky to visit the camp and see the jet fighters (we sat in the cockpit as proud to be a pilot) and other toured to missiles/bombs strikers and military helicopters locations. The visit was very interesting and skillful enjoyments. We spent one night. Early in the morning on the 6th October 1964 at 7am. We took a domestic flight to Tokyo. We landed by 4pm. We went to the Olympic village by well arrangement Japanese Olympic Games management, a car picked up us on arrival we were welcomed by Japanese Interpreter and shown a Beautiful, clean, tidy house, rooms to stay on the duration of the Olympic Games. 2 Marathon Runners athletes and other Nepal Olympic Games representatives arrived by direct civilian flight. We Nepal’s Olympic team assembled then parade march past around the Olympic Village for 3 rounds as Japanese Custom Ceremonial parade with carrying own Nepal National Flag then raised the Flag on the house as residential of Nepal’s own National House. All known as Nepal athletes’ residential as the Nepal flag is hoisting.
There were 2 cars and 1 Land Rover with drivers stand by, available for the participant’s country. There were public Buses schedule services in 10minutes interval; sport bikes were free of charge all around the Olympic village streets. The train service is free for the Olympic athletes. There were films; classical music theatre, dramas continuing showing, sports shops plazas and variety countries foods and drinks stalls services were always available beside the Olympic village. The Olympic village was extremely well arranged and outstanding.
The following profiles were the First Nepal’s Olympic games representatives as follows:
Wonderful and splendid! The ceremony parade was in
alphabetical order of the names of the countries. There were more than 97
countries marching colorful parade with their own carrying National flags. At
the end the Olympic torch was brought up running then lit and the Olympic flag
was raised. It meant the Olympic Games was commenced. H.I.M Emperor of Japan
(Hirohito Showa Empire 1926 - 1989) had opened the 18th Olympiad in
National Stadium.
Boxing Matches
On 13th October 1964 Mr Bhim Bahadur Gurung boxed against his opponent from West Germany. He fought well until the 3rd round. The Judges and Referee have awarded the fight to West Germany winner.
On 14th October 1964 Mr. Ram Prasad Gurung
boxed against his opponent from Hungary (European Champion). The referee
stopped the fight and decision awarded Hungary the winner fight. A complaint
was made but what was done cannot be undone.
On 15th October 1964 Mr. Om Prasad Pun boxed against his opponent from Ethiopia.
Lucky! Ethiopia was disqualified the fight. The
referees decision the fight was won by Mr. Omprasad Pun of Nepal.
On the 16th October 1964 Mr. Nam Sing Thapa was the youngest 18 years old Olympian his opponent was American Negro, a very matured 33-years old and more heavier. I was unlucky! He had fought more than 900 international matches, won the bronze medal in the 1960 Olympic games held n Rome. Italy. He was fast most experienced Boxer. I attacked several times but he moved out fast and dodged my heavy punches. I found myself extremely exhausted. After 2 minutes and 45 second the referee stopped the fight. As referee’s decision the American won the match.
The overall performance was good considering it was
Nepal’s first time in history to participate in the Olympic games with such a
short time of training. We Nepalese should be very proud of winning the first
bout of boxing in our first representation in history at the XVIII Olympic
Games Tokyo 1964. With more encouragement and support we hope to win the
Gold/silver/bronze medals in the coming Olympic Games.
The Nepalese Marathon 2x Runners Late Bhupendra Bahadur KC and Late Ganga Bahadur Thapa had unfortunately sore feet due to injury to their legs and were not able to do the complete course.
The Closing Ceremony of the XVIII Olympic Games Tokyo 1964 was colorful as wonderful march passed in alphabetical order with own Countries hoisting flags, took place on October 24, 1964 with massive bands, music playing, colorful Olympic signs by jet fighters, balloons and more than 10,000, pigeons were free flown all over the sky. It was huge gatherings as similar to the Opening Ceremony. It was wonderful, chatting, swapping hats, ties and badges enjoying to see on next Olympic Games Mexico 1968 and in future.
Sayo Nara (Good Bye)! See you again in future!!
Thus ends my short boxing career, which I had started reluctantly and with hate but which slowly started to fascinate me to make it my career.
At Present Nepal’s first Olympians 1964 are still surviving Mr. Ram Prasad Gurung and myself, unknown to Mr. Bhim Bahadur Gurung (used to live in Kanpur India) no communication at all. Mr. Omprasad Pun, Mr. Bhupendra Bahadur KC, Mr. Ganga Bahadur Thapa athletes passed away peacefully a few years ago. RIP.
