India boxer Amit Panghal has earned a much-needed spot in the Paris Olympics 2024 in the 51kg category after reaching the semifinals of the World Olympic Boxing Qualifier in Bangkok on Sunday. The 28-year-old Indian boxer defeated Chinese boxer Liu Chuang 5-0 in the quarterfinals. With this Panghal becomes the fifth Indian boxer and the second male to secure a quota for the Paris Olympics.
Amit Panghal clinch all-important Paris Olympics 2024 quota in the 51kg category
After receiving a bye in the first round, the former World Championships silver medallist won his next two bouts to stay in the running for a quota place at the final qualifying event. In the pre-quarterfinal, Panghal, an Asian Games gold medallist, outclassed Inkyu Kim of South Korea with a 5-0 score. In the following round, he survived a fierce challenge from Mexico’s Mauricio Ruiz, ultimately winning the bout. His decisive victory over China’s Liu confirmed his berth for the Paris Games.
This will be Panghal’s second Olympic appearance. He aims to improve upon his previous performance at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, where he was then the world number one but faced an unexpected defeat against Rio Games silver-medallist Yuberjen Martinez in the pre-quarterfinals.
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Nishant Dev became first male boxer to secure Paris Olympic 2024 quota
Earlier, Nishant Dev also secured his spot in the Paris Olympics by defeating Moldova’s Vasile Cebotari 5-0 in the men’s 71kg event. Among the women, Nikhat Zareen (50kg), Preeti Pawar (54kg), and Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist Lovlina Borgohain (75kg) have also qualified for the Paris Games.
Later today, Sachin Siwach (men’s 57kg) and Jaismine Lamboria (women’s 57kg) will compete for their quota places. Sachin will face Kyrgyz boxer Munarbek Seiitbek Uulu in the third-place playoff, while Jaismine will battle Marine Camara of Mali to secure her spot. The Indian boxing contingent is showing strong potential as they continue their journey towards the Paris Olympics.
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