U22 Asian Boxing C’ships: India assured of six more medals

Bangkok: Two women boxers and four male pugilists progressed to the semifinals to assure India of six more medals at the U22 Asian Boxing Championships here on Monday. Priya (women’s 60kg), Paranjal Yadav (women’s 70kg), Harsh (men’s 60kg), Neeraj (men’s 75kg), Rockey Chaudhary (men’s 85kg) and Ishan Kataria (men’s 90+kg) are the six boxers who sealed their semifinals berth with comfortable victories in their respective bouts. Priya started India’s march with a unanimous 5:0 verdict against Sarii Kokufu of Japan and Harsha also dominated Mongolia’s Munkh-Erdene Erdenebold to win by an identical score line. Paranjal became the third boxer to assure India a medal in the morning session after a tough battle against Mengge Zhang of China. The bout swung both ways with the two boxers adopting an aggressive approach with the Indian prevailing 3:2 in a split decision. The U19 and U22 Asian Boxing Championships, which are being held simultaneously, provides India’s rising stars a platform to showcase their skills and determination against some of Asia’s toughest opponents.