Thampu Selvam (Thapu Sampath)

Thampu Selvan emerged as a formidable boxer in the early 1970s, competing across multiple weight categories with distinction. From 1972. to 1974, he consistently reached the highest levels of competition, earning several runner-up positions at prestigious national and invitational meets. His remarkable consistency during this period earned him the Best Loser Award for three consecutive years (1972-1974), a testament to his fighting spirit and close contests against top-tier opponents. In 1972, boxing in the Welterweight division, he secured second place at the Intermediate Boxing Meet, Layton Cup, Clifford Cup, and the National Boxing Championship. The following year, 1973, he continued this impressive run with runner-up finishes at the Layton Cup, Clifford Cup, and National Championships. That same year marked a major breakthrough when he clinched first place at the Albert Perera Memorial Boxing Meet in both the Light Middleweight and Welterweight categories-an outstanding achievement highlighting his versatility and dominance. His competitive excellence extended into 1974, once again finishing second at the Layton Cup (Welterweight). After a brief interval, he returned to the ring with renewed strength, competing successfully from 1980 onwards in higher weight categories. Notably, in 1980, he won the Defence Services Boxing Meet in the Middleweight division, an achievement that earned him Defence Services Colours for Boxing. The early 1980s represented the peak of his boxing career. In 1981, Thampu Selvam became National Boxing Champion in the Middleweight division and also secured first place at the Clifford Cup. He continued to feature prominently at national level through the 1980s, transitioning into the Light Heavyweight division. His perseverance was rewarded in 1989, when he captured first place at the National Boxing Championship (Light Heavyweight), earning him Navy Colours for Boxing.