Reigning champion Shiva Thapa began his title defence with a commanding win over Enayat Khan in welterweight (60-65kg) category at the 8th Elite Men's National Boxing Championship in Bareilly on Thursday. Representing Assam, Thapa, who made history as the youngest Indian boxer to qualify for the Olympics at 2012 London Games, defeated Enayat 5-0 in his opening bout, setting a strong tone for his campaign. Former world youth champion Sachin Siwach also opened his campaign with an emphatic 5-0 victory for the Services Sports Control Board (SSCB) against Akshay, displaying his readiness to compete for top honours.