Indian boxers Abhinash Jamwal and Nishant Dev showcased their prowess at the World Olympic Boxing Qualification Tournament 2024 in Bangkok, Thailand, securing comfortable victories in their respective opening-round matches.
Abhinash Jamwal, competing in the men’s 63.5kg category, exhibited dominance in his bout against Andriejus Lavrenovas of Lithuania. With precision and skill, Abhinash Jamwal secured a unanimous 5-0 victory, displaying control and assertiveness throughout the match.
Meanwhile, Nishant Dev, a World Championships bronze medallist, delivered an impressive performance in the 71kg division against Armando Bighafa of Guinea-Bissau. Nishant Dev demonstrated exceptional control from the onset, dictating the pace of the bout and securing a commanding 5-0 win with a flurry of well-executed punches.
Among the Indian contingent in Bangkok, Sachin Siwach and Abhimanyu Loura had earlier secured victories in their respective weight categories. Additionally, several Indian boxers, including Amit Panghal, Sanjeet, and women pugilists Jaismine Lamboria and Arundhati Choudhary, received first-round byes.
Looking ahead, Ankushita Boro is set to begin her campaign in the 60kg category against Namuun Monkhor of Mongolia, while Abhimanyu Loura will face Kelyn Cassidy of Ireland in the 80kg round of 32 on Monday.
India’s participation in the Paris 2024 Olympics hinges on the National Olympic Committee’s selection process. While three Olympic boxing quotas have already been secured by Lovlina Borgohain, Nikhat Zareen, and Preeti Pawar, India aims to obtain additional quotas through the World Olympic Qualifier.
At the Thailand tournament, quotas are available across various weight categories, presenting Indian boxers with opportunities to secure their berths for the Paris Games. Despite facing challenges at the first World Boxing Qualification Tournament in Italy, Indian boxers remain determined to excel and secure their spots on the Olympic stage.
