World Olympic Boxing Qualification Tournament 2024: Sanjeet Kumar and Ankushita Boro Exit Early
Dara Singh Chahal
8th Mar 2024: In a disappointing turn of events for Indian boxing, both Sanjeet Kumar and Ankushita Boro faced early exits from the first World Boxing Qualification Tournament for the Paris 2024 Olympics in Busto Arsizio, Italy.
Former youth world champion Ankushita Boro succumbed to a narrow defeat against French veteran Sonvico Emilie in the round of 64 of the women’s 66kg category. Despite a valiant effort, Boro fell short, highlighting the competitive nature of the tournament.
National champion Sanjeet Kumar faced a challenging bout against Kazakh boxer Aibek Oralbay in the men’s 92kg category. Despite his prowess, Kumar suffered a unanimous decision loss to Oralbay, a testament to the formidable competition at the event.
With Sanjeet and Ankushita’s exits, the majority of Indian boxers in Italy have now bowed out of the tournament. Earlier losses by Shiva Thapa, Deepak Bhoria, Narender Berwal, Jaismine Lamboria, and Lakshya Chahar have further added to India’s challenges in the competition.
Amidst the setbacks, Nishant Dev stands as the sole Indian boxer to secure victory, advancing to the round of 32 in the men’s 71kg category.
Mohammed Hussamuddin, bronze medal winner at the world championships and Commonwealth Games, awaits his bout in the round of 32 against Ireland’s Jude Gallagher, signaling a glimmer of hope for India in the upcoming matches.
As the tournament progresses, Indian boxers aim to showcase their resilience and skill, striving to secure coveted berths for the Paris 2024 Olympics amidst stiff competition.
The first World Olympic boxing qualification tournament hosts over 590 boxers and offers a total of 49 quotas, further intensifying the pursuit for Olympic glory among the global boxing fraternity.
