India’s Boxing Hopes Take a Big Hit at Paris 2024

A disappointing day unfolded for the Indian boxing contingent at the Paris 2024 Olympics as three of its top contenders were eliminated from the competition. Amit Panghal, Jaismine Lamboria, and Preeti Pawar bowed out of the tournament, leaving India with just three boxers still in contention for medals.

Panghal, a silver medalist at the 2023 World Boxing Championships, suffered a shock defeat to Zambia’s Patrick Chinyemba in the men’s 51kg category. Despite a previous victory over Chinyemba at the Commonwealth Games, Panghal struggled to cope with the Zambian’s height advantage and elusive movement. The 4-1 split decision in favor of Chinyemba marked a significant setback for the Indian boxer.

In the women’s division, Jaismine Lamboria faced a tough challenge against Philippines’ Nesthy Petecio, a former world champion and Olympic silver medalist. Lamboria’s strategy of utilizing her height advantage proved ineffective against Petecio’s speed and agility. The Filipino boxer dominated the bout, winning by a unanimous 5-0 decision.

Preeti Pawar of India Outclassed by Colombia’s Yeni Arias

Preeti Pawar, a promising young boxer, also saw her Olympic journey come to an end. The 20-year-old Indian, who had defeated Vietnam’s Vo Thi Kim Anh in the opening round, was outclassed by Colombia’s Yeni Arias in the pre-quarterfinals. Arias, a world championship silver medalist, edged out Pawar by a narrow 3-2 split decision.

With the exits of Panghal, Lamboria, and Pawar, India’s boxing hopes now rest on the shoulders of Nikhat Zareen, Lovlina Borgohain, and Nishant Dev. Zareen has already secured a spot in the round of 16, while Borgohain and Dev will begin their campaigns in the pre-quarterfinals.

The early exits of these experienced boxers will undoubtedly be a setback for the Indian boxing team, which was aiming for multiple medals at the Paris Olympics. The remaining boxers will need to dig deep and perform at their best to keep India’s hopes alive in the tournament.

India will be aiming for these remaining boxers to step up and deliver strong performances to salvage the nation’s boxing campaign at the Paris Olympics.