National champion Jaismine Lamboria secured a coveted Olympic berth for India at the 2nd World Qualification Tournament on Sunday, June 2. She competed in the women's 57kg weight class, reclaiming the quota India had previously lost due to a suspension.
Jaismine Punches Way to Paris Olympics
Jaismine, who previously boxed in the 60kg category, dominated her quarter-final bout against Marine Camara of Mali. This victory adds her name to the list of Indian boxers qualified for Paris 2024, joining Amit Panghal (men's 51kg), Nishant Dev (men's 71kg), Nikhat Zareen (women's 50kg), Preeti Pawar (women's 54kg), and Lovlina Borgohain (women's 75kg). Meanwhile, Sachin Sivach's Olympic dreams were dashed today as he fell short against Kyrgyz boxer Munarbek Seiitbek Uulu in the men's 57kg quarter-final bout.
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Jaismine's victory fills the previously lost quota in the women's 57kg weight class. India had initially secured a quota in this category through boxer Parveen Hooda, who earned a bronze medal at the 2023 Asian Games. However, Hooda's 22-month suspension for a whereabouts failure forced her to forfeit the spot. Jaismine, a Commonwealth Games bronze medalist, stepped in as a reserve for the 57kg event in Bangkok. While she typically competes in the 60kg category, she seized this crucial opportunity. Jaismine dominated her opening two matches, securing convincing 5-0 victories over Ana Milisic of Switzerland and Mahsati Hamzayeva Aghamaliyeva of Azerbaijan. Her quarter-final win confirms her place in the Paris Olympics, ensuring India fills the 57kg quota originally secured by Hooda.
One Shot, One Goal: Panghal packs punch
Earlier on the same day, World Championship silver medalist Amit Panghal also secured his second Olympic appearance with a hard-fought 5-0 victory over China's Chuang Liu. With only one chance remaining to qualify for the Paris Olympics, Amit Panghal, the 2018 Asian Games champion, showcased his resilience by securing a decisive victory. The road to Paris wasn't smooth for Panghal. He lost his national team spot due to the BFI's evaluation system, which favored World Championship bronze medalist Deepak Bhoria who competed in earlier qualifiers. Since the Tokyo Olympics, Panghal's competitive outings were limited to the 2022 Commonwealth Games, where he clinched the gold medal, and the recent Strandja Memorial tournament, where he emerged victorious. Despite these limitations, Panghal rose to the occasion in the crucial qualifying bout, proving his unwavering determination and securing his well-deserved spot at the Paris Olympics.
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