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Indian boxer Preeti Pawar settled for bronze in the women's 54kg category at the Asian Games 2023 held in Hangzhou on Tuesday, October 3. Despite a valiant effort, she faced a setback against China's formidable boxer, Yuan Chang, in the semi-final bout at the Hangzhou Gymnasium, with a scoreline of 0-5 on points.
The initial round saw Chang, with her impeccable technique, securing a 4-1 split decision. Demonstrating her prowess, the Chinese boxer initiated the bout with a powerful punch to Preeti's visage, setting a dominant tone. Yet, the resilient Preeti retaliated in the subsequent round, landing several tactful punches before adopting a defensive stance.
The climax of the match, the final round, witnessed an aggressive approach from Preeti, even managing to execute a precise uppercut. However, Chang, with her vast experience and composure, emerged victorious. It's essential to highlight that Chang is not new to such accolades, being the current Asian Games gold medalist.
Preeti Pawar: A glimpse into her journey
Born on October 23, 2003, Preeti's inclination towards boxing was evident early on. Interestingly, her foray into the world of boxing wasn't a premeditated decision. It was the encouragement from her father and uncle that nudged her towards this challenging sport. Though initial hesitations existed, her participation in training and competitions ignited a profound passion for boxing.
Achievements
Preeti's trajectory in boxing has been nothing short of meteoric. She clinched both silver and gold medals at the Khelo India Youth Games in consecutive years, 2020 and 2021. Furthermore, she added a silver medal to her kitty at the Youth Asian Championships in 2021. Her debut at the senior level during the 2022 Asian Championships was marked by her winning a bronze medal, a testament to her seamless transition and adaptability.
One of the defining moments in Preeti's career was during the World Championships. She delivered a jaw-dropping performance by defeating the 2022 silver medallist and World No. 2, Perijoc Lacramioara, in the second round, post a bout review. Even though her journey was halted by Thailand's Jutamas Jitpong in the Round of 16, Preeti's prowess ensured that the global boxing community took note of her exceptional talent.
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