The Boxing Federation of India (BFI) on Monday announced a nine-member Indian squad for the first World Qualification Tournament of Paris Olympic Games 2024, scheduled to take place in Busto Arsizio, Italy from February 29 to March 12. The selections include some big names including Six-time Asian Championships medallist Shiva Thapa and 2022 Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Jaismine.
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The players were chosen after a thorough selection process that was carried out by the high performance unit on the basis of various performance metrics. Besides Thapa (63.5kg) and Jaismine (60kg), the youth world champion Ankushita Boro (66kg), reigning National champions Lakshya Chahar (80kg), Sanjeet Kumar (92kg) were selected.
The other names include 2022 Asian Games bronze medallist Narender Berwal (+92kg) and 2023 World Championship bronze medallists Mohammed Hussamuddin (57kg). Apart from them, Deepak Bhoria (51kg) and Nishant Dev (71kg) have also been included as they will fight for Paris 2024 quotas in their respective categories.
India have already secured four quotas for Paris 2024 with Nikhat Zareen (50kg), Preeti (54kg), Parveen Hooda (57kg) and Lovlina Borgohain (75kg) confirming their berths with impressive performances at the Asian Games.
BFI statement
“Our aim is to maximise India’s participation at the Paris Olympic Games 2024 and to achieve that, we have undertaken a thorough and careful selection process for the first World Qualification Tournament. The high-performance team conducted a detailed evaluation process, gave points to boxers and those securing highest points were selected. We are confident and believe that these boxers possess the mettle to not only compete but triumph and secure coveted spots at the Olympics,” stated Hemanta Kumar Kalita, Secretary General, Boxing Federation of India.