Indian men's squad for Asian Boxing Championship announced
Most of India's Olympic-bound male boxers, including world silver medalist and defending champion Amit Panghal (52kg), made the cut for the Asian Championships in Dubai. The event was to be held in India but was shifted to Dubai because of the COVID-19 pandemic with India retaining the co-host status. The tournament begins on May 24 with the draw ceremony scheduled on May 23.
Manish Kaushik, Satish Kumar missing from the squad
Manish Kaushik (63kg) and Satish Kumar (+91kg) are missing from the squad as both of them are recovering from COVID-19. A total of five men have qualified for the Tokyo Games. Kaushik has been replaced by Shiva Thapa, a four-time Asian medalist, while Narender has come in for Satish. The women's team, headlined by six-time world champion MC Mary Kom, was announced last month.
Women's squad features all four Tokyo-bound boxers
The women's squad features all four Tokyo-bound boxers, including Simranjit Kaur (60kg), who recently recovered from COVID-19. "We are thankful to the UAE Government, Indian Ambassador to UAE, Pavan Kapoor, and ASBC President Mr. Anas Alotaiba, who have helped us in every possible way to secure the team's travel to Dubai," Boxing Federation of India President Ajay Singh said.
This competition is crucial for the Tokyo Olympics: BFI President
"This is a much-needed competition which is crucial for the final phase of training and preparation for the Olympics," Singh added. The team's departure plans were shrouded in uncertainty because of international travel restrictions but the UAE authorities gave their approval on Tuesday.
India's best-ever Asian Championship performance came in Thailand in 2019
In the women's team, Nagaland's Lalbuatsaihi (64kg) comes in for Pwilao Basumatary, who pulled out as her passport was up for renewal. The men's squad also features Vikas Krishan (69kg) and Ashish Kumar (75kg) among the Olympic-bound. India had delivered its best-ever Asian Championship performance in the 2019 edition in Thailand, claiming 13 medals, including two gold, four silver, and seven bronze.
Here are the names of everyone who made the cut
Men: Vinod Tanwar (49kg), Amit Panghal (52kg), Mohammad Hussamuddin (56kg), Varinder Singh (60kg), Shiva Thapa (64kg), Vikas Krishan (69kg), Ashish Kumar (75kg), Sumit Sangwan (81kg), Sanjeet (91kg) and Narender (+91kg). Women: Monika (48kg), MC Mary Kom (51kg), Sakshi (54kg), Jasmine (57kg), Simranjeet Kaur (60kg), Lalbuatsaihi (64kg), Lovlina Borgohain (69kg), Pooja Rani (75kg), Saweety (81kg) and Anupama (+81kg).
Indian contingent will leave for Dubai on May 21
The boxers are currently undergoing regular RT-PCR tests and been training in bio-secure hubs in Patiala, Pune, and Bengaluru. The Indian contingent will leave for Dubai on May 21 after having got the requisite clearance to travel.
