India’s Boxing Contingent Eyes Nine More Olympic Quotas at World Qualification Tournament
Dara Singh Chahal
2nd Mar 2024: Busto Arsizio, Italy, sets the stage for the inaugural World Boxing Qualification Tournament for the Paris 2024 Olympics, heralding a crucial opportunity for India’s boxing fraternity. With nine pugilists – seven men and two women – in contention, India aims to secure additional Olympic quotas, bolstering its presence on the global stage.
Two-time Olympian Shiva Thapa stands at the forefront of India’s formidable boxing squad, poised to compete in the men’s 63.5kg category. The tournament, commencing on Sunday, unfolds as a pivotal moment for Indian boxing, with live streaming available on Olympics.com for enthusiasts across the nation.
In the quest for Olympic berths, each country strives to secure quotas across distinct weight categories. India’s prowess in the boxing arena was evident at the Asian Games, where the nation clinched four quotas. Now, with the stage set in Italy, India eyes the prospect of attaining up to nine Olympic quotas.
The Indian contingent comprises a stellar lineup of boxers, including the likes of 2023 Asian Games bronze medallist Narender Berwal and World Championship bronze medallists Mohammed Hussamuddin, Deepak Bhoria, and Nishant Dev. Reigning national champions Lakshya Chahar and Sanjeet Kumar further fortify India’s representation.
Among the women boxers, 2022 Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Jaismine Lamboria and youth world champion Ankushita Boro stand ready to showcase their mettle on the international stage.
Notably, women’s boxers Nikhat Zareen, Preeti Pawar, Parveen Hooda, and Lovlina Borgohain clinched Olympic quotas at the Asian Games, securing India’s formidable presence in specific weight categories.
The Busto Arsizio tournament promises a flurry of intense bouts, with 49 Olympics quotas up for grabs – 28 in men’s and 21 in women’s categories. While all weight divisions feature four quotas, exceptions include women’s 57kg (two quotas) and women’s 60kg (three quotas).
Beyond Italy, the journey continues for pugilists, with the second World Qualification Tournament slated for Bangkok from May 26 to June 2, offering additional avenues for securing coveted Olympic quotas.
As India’s boxing stalwarts embark on this monumental journey, the nation remains poised to witness their relentless pursuit of excellence on the grandest stage of them all – the Paris 2024 Olympics.
