World Championships bronze medallist Nishant Dev kicked off his campaign with an exciting 3-1 victory against British boxer Lewis Richardson at the first Olympic Boxing Qualifier. However, seasoned boxer Shiva Thapa faced defeat at Busto Arsizio in Italy on March 6.
Competing in the men's 71kg category, Nishant swiftly established his rhythm against Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Richardson, adopting an aggressive approach from the outset. He claimed the first round with a score of 4-1.
In the second round, the 23-year-old Indian showcased even greater dominance, utilising his long reach to deliver effective right hooks and securing a 5-0 victory.
He maintained control in the third round, successfully defending against multiple attacks from his opponent while safeguarding his lead. Ultimately, he clinched the bout with a split decision.
Dev seals first win for India
Shiva Thapa crashes out in 1st round
On the other hand, six-time Asian Championships medallist Shiva Thapa (63.5kg) suffered defeat against reigning world champion Ruslan Abdullaev from Uzbekistan.
Ruslan, living up to his reputation with precise punches, breached Shiva's defense multiple times, prompting the Indian boxer to adopt a defensive stance from the outset.
However, Shiva's defensive strategy was short-lived as Abdullaev continued his aggressive assault, leading the referee to stop the contest in the first round.
Lakshya Chahar knocked out
Meanwhile, national champion Lakshya Chahar (80kg) was eliminated from the competition following a defeat against former Asian Championships silver medallist Gheshlaghi Meysam from Iran.
Despite trailing 2-3 in the first round, Lakshya staged a strong comeback in the second round and maintained a promising performance in the final round. However, with just 20 seconds left on the clock, the Iranian knocked him out.
Birmingham Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Jaismine (60kg) also exited the competition with a 0-5 loss against Japan's Ayaka Taguchi.
Ankushita Boro lose to Sonvico Emilie
Youth champion Ankushita Boro suffered a narrow 2-3 defeat against France's Sonvico Emilie in the women's 66kg category, extending India's disappointing performance at the Olympic qualifiers.
Six out of nine Indian boxers have exited the tournament in the first round.
Later on March 6, national champion Sanjeet (92kg) will face off against Aibek Oralbay of Kazakhstan.
The first World Olympic Qualifier is hosting over 590 boxers and will allocate a total of 49 quotas for the 2024 Paris Olympics, including 28 for men and 21 for women.
Boxers who do not secure quotas in this qualifier will have another opportunity to qualify for Paris during the second World Olympic Boxing Qualifier in Bangkok from May 23 to June 3, where between 45 and 51 boxers will qualify.
Four Indian boxers Nikhat Zareen (50kg), Preeti Pawar (54kg), Parveen Hooda (57kg), and Lovlina Borgohain (75kg) have already secured quotas for Paris at the Asian Games last year.
India was represented by nine boxers at the Tokyo Olympics.
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