Boxing | Panghal makes a comeback amidst drastic changes for Olympic qualifier in Bangkok

BFI changes six boxers for World Olympic qualifier in Bangkok after disappointing performance in Italy.

Following the Indian boxers’ disappointing performance in the Olympic qualifying event in Busto Arsizio, Italy, where they could not win a single quota place, the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) has changed six boxers in the squad for the second World Olympic qualifier in Bangkok, the last qualifying event, from May 25 to June 2.

After BFI’s assessment, done by coaches Dmitry Dmitruk, C.A. Kuttappa and Dharmendra Yadav, former World championships silver medallist Amit Panghal, who won a gold medal in the Strandja Memorial event in Sofia in February last, was the biggest name to make a comeback. He replaces Worlds bronze medallist Deepak Bhoria in 51kg.

Former World junior champion Sachin Siwach Jr., another Strandja gold medallist, has taken the place of another Worlds bronze medallist Mohammad Hussamuddin in 57kg.

The biggest surprise was the absence of seasoned boxer Shiva Thapa, who placed third in 63.5kg. Abinash Jamwal emerged as the top boxer in this category, followed by Vanshaj, who managed to recover from a bout of tuberculosis.

Young boxer Abhimanyu Loura, a former National champion, took the number one slot in 80kg.

Worlds bronze medallist Nishant Dev (71kg), who lost in the quarterfinals and narrowly missed an Olympic quota place in Italy, Sanjeet (92kg) and Narender Berwal (+92kg) retained their top spots.

Among women, Ankushita Boro, who represented the country in 66kg in Italy, came down to 60kg and claimed the number one position ahead of Jaismine Lamboria.