India Open Boxing | As many as 10 boxers assured medals for smaller draws

Star Indian pugilist, Mary Kom debuted in the 51kg in the India Open on Monday and the six-time world champions could very well have assured a semi-final clash against Asian Championships bronze medallist Nikhat Zareen. 

According to the draw released on Sunday, Asiad gold medalist, who is competing from the 52kg category, might see an easy route right to the final where he is toured to take on Asian Games silver medallist and Philippines’ Rogen Siaga.

They are among the 10 boxers, six in men and four in women, who have already sealed a medal each because of the smaller size of the draw. The other pugilists include Brijesh Yadav and Sanjay who are already into the semis of 81kg. In The 91kg category, Naman Tanwar and Sanjeet, while Satish Kumar and Atul Thakur in +91kg have also assured the same.

In the women’s boxing, Lovlina Borgohain and Anjali have assured themselves medals in 69kg while Bhagyabati Kachari and Saweety Boora have advanced into the last-four in 75kg after getting a bye in the first round.

"We have at least a couple of Indian boxers in each category and the competition is very close. It will be a very interesting tournament and the exposure for the boxers will stand them in good stead ahead of the World Championships," Raffaele Bergamasco, the Performance Director of Indian women's boxing, said, reported PTI.

There are at least three medal hopes from the men’s 52kg and 56kg categories. Asian Championships silver medallist Kavinder Singh Bisht, Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Mohammed Hussamuddin and World Championships bronze medallist Gaurav Bidhuri would be competing for the podium finish in the 56kg category.

In the 52kg category, Commonwealth Games gold medallist Gaurav Solanki and GeeBee Boxing tournament bronze medallist Sachin Siwach would be aiming for a metal.

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