India’s campaign at the U22 Asian Boxing Championships picked up pace on Day 3, with four semifinal wins — including back-to-back victories by women boxers — taking the country’s finalist tally to four.
According to a release from the Boxing Federation of India (BFI), Neeraj relied on his speed and counterattacks to defeat Kyeongho Bang of South Korea 5:0, becoming the first Indian boxer to enter the final on Wednesday. Ishan Kataria then joined him, using his big frame and strong punches to dominate Chen Chen of China. The referee was forced to stop the contest in the third round, as the Chinese boxer was unable to withstand the onslaught.
Yatri Patel became the first Indian woman boxer to reach the final, using her left-right combination punches to great effect to dominate Vietnam’s Thi Nhung Quand and secure a 5:0 unanimous verdict in the women’s 57kg semifinal. Shortly afterward, Priya delivered another dominant performance to overpower Uzbekistan’s Odinakhon Ismoilova and reach the final in the women’s 60kg category.
The U19 and U22 Asian Boxing Championships, being held simultaneously, provide India’s rising stars a platform to showcase their skills and determination against some of Asia’s toughest opponents. India has fielded a strong contingent of 40 boxers — 20 in each age group — comprising a perfect mix of proven champions and emerging talents who have impressed on the domestic circuit.
Among the four other semi-finalists in the morning session, Rockey Chaudhary was unfortunate as the referee stopped his bout in the second round due to cuts over both his eyebrows, sustained during his clash against Iran’s Sam Estaki.
Harsh (60kg) and Mayur (90kg) put up spirited fights against their respective opponents but lost narrowly in split decisions. Harsh went down 1:4 against Uzbekistan’s Shohruh Abdumalikov, while Mayur lost to Shakhzod Polvonov, also from Uzbekistan. Ankush, the other Indian boxer in contention, lost 0:5 against Sanzhar-Ali Begaliyev of Kazakhstan. All four boxers will return home with bronze medals.
In the evening session, Bhawna Sharma was unable to replicate her quarterfinal form and lost 1:4 to Robiyakhon Bakhtiyorova of Uzbekistan in the women’s 48kg category.
Also finishing with bronze medals were Parthavi Grewal (women’s 60kg), Parnjal Yadav (women’s 65kg), and Shruti (women’s 75kg), after they lost their respective semifinal bouts.
(ANI)