Sports enthusiasts and players at James Bevan’s residence

It was an evening to celebrate India’s participation in the fast-approaching London Olympics 2012, for which sports enthusiasts and players got together at the British High Commissioner James Bevan’s residence recently.
The British Minister for Environment, Greg Barker, wished the participants from India and added, “We hope more records are broken in London than ever before.”
Shooter Abhinav Bindra’s parents, Apjit and Babli Bindra, were seen exchanging pleasantries with James Bevan as everyone enjoyed the celebration with finger snacks and drinks.We caught up with Shiva Thapa, the youngest Indian boxer to ever qualify for the Olympics. “So many young guys have fared so well at various international level tournaments and when I look at them, I’m like, ‘why can’t I?’” said the confident young lad, who will be training in Kazakhstan and Ireland, among other places, before heading for the London Olympics.
Another boxer to qualify for this edition of the Olympics is Manoj Kumar, who seems to be infused with patriotism. He told us, “Tirangay ke liye khelne ka mauka mila hai, isliye main bada excited hoon.” Greg Barker and James were gifted boxing gloves that were autographed by MC Mary Kom.