Deepak, Poonam progress as India begin Boxing World Cup campaign in China
New Delhi, June 15
Deepak and Poonam emerged as the lone Indian winners on the opening day of the Boxing World Cup in China, advancing to the next round of their respective categories, while seven other Indian boxers suffered defeats.
Competing in the women's 54kg category, Poonam registered a convincing 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan's Aziza Yokubova in the preliminary round of 32 to move ahead in the competition. Deepak joined her in the next round after producing an equally dominant display in the men's 70kg division, defeating Turkmenistan's Bayramdurdy Nurmuhammedov by a unanimous 5-0 verdict in the preliminary round of 32.
The remaining Indian boxers, however, could not progress further.
In the preliminary Round of 16, Rishi Singh (50kg) lost to Azerbaijan's Subhan Mamedov, while Sanamacha Chanu Thokchom (75kg) went down against Canada's Tammara Thibeault. Sawan Gill also bowed out after suffering a defeat to Norway's Omar Shiha in the men's 90kg category.
In other preliminary contests, Anmol (60kg) was narrowly beaten 2-3 by Salim Ellis Bey (USA). Meanwhile, Harsh Choudhary (90kg) had his bout stopped prematurely, losing to Sweden's Elwin Belezika via Referee Stops Contest due to Injury [RSC (I)] in the third round.
India also endured disappointment in the quarterfinals as Naina lost to China's Xiaomeng Wang in the women's 80kg category, while Alfiya Tarannum Akram Khan Pathan was defeated by Poland's Elzbieta Wojcik in the women's 90+kg division.
Deepak and Poonam will now look to continue India's challenge in the tournament as the competition progresses.
Results (Indians):
Won:
Poonam (54kg-W) bt Aziza Yokubova (Uzbekistan-W) 5-0
Deepak (70kg) bt Bayramdurdy Nurmuhammedov (Turkmenistan) 5-0
Lost:
Anmol (60kg) lost to Salim Ellis Bey (USA) 2-3
Harsh Choudhary (90kg) lost to Elwin Belezika (Sweden) via RSC (I) Round 3
Naina (80kg-W) lost to Xiaomeng Wang (China-W) 0-5
Sanamacha Chanu Thokchom (75kg-W) lost to Tammara Thibeault (Canada-W) 0-5
Rishi Singh (50kg) lost to Subhan Mamedov (Azerbaijan) 0-5
Alfiya Tarannum Akram Khan Pathan (90+kg-W) lost to Elzbieta Wojcik (Poland-W) 0-5
Sawan Gill (90kg) lost to Omar Shiha (Norway) 0-5
— IANS
Reader Comments
As a boxing enthusiast, I'm disappointed but not surprised. The scorelines like 0-5 show we're not competitive at the highest level yet. Poonam's win is encouraging for women's boxing though - she looked technically sharp. Hope our federation uses these losses as learning opportunities rather than just celebrating the two wins. Accountability is key.
Deepak and Poonam giving us hope! 🌟 But yaar, 7 out of 9 losing is rough. Harsh Choudhary's RSC stoppage is worrying - hope he's okay. We keep producing talent but can't seem to convert it into consistent results abroad. Need better exposure trips and coaching, not just at home but international camps. Still, proud of our boxers for stepping into the ring against tough opponents.
Tough day for Indian boxing overall, but Poonam and Deepak showed real class. The 2-3 loss for Anmol against the American fighter was particularly close - could have gone either way. India needs more depth, especially in the heavier weight categories where we seem to struggle. Chin up, team - lots to build on!
Happy for Poonam and Deepak but honestly, the overall scorecard is heartbreaking. 0-5 losses for multiple boxers suggest a gulf in quality. Our grassroots boxing is improving but we need better preparation for elite competitions. Also, why are we sending so many boxers if they're not ready? Quality over quantity, please! Still, jai ho our two winners! 🙏
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