Boxing World Championship 2021: Debutant Akash Kumar secures India's first medal, Shiva Thapa and 3 others out
Zee News
Young boxer Akash Kumar (54kg) secured India's first medal at the ongoing AIBA men's World Championships on Tuesday by advancing to the semifinals with a superb win over former Olympic silver-medallist Yoel Finol Rivas of Venezuela.
Hardened by the difficult circumstances of his personal life, The 21-year-old Akash Kumar prevailed 5-0 with a fabulous performance which was a perfect mix of powerful punching and great showmanship. He was the only Indian left in the fray after four others bowed out with quarterfinal losses.
The fearless youngster scored on counter-attacks with a non-existent guard and taunted his opponent, all this while staying out of his range with terrific pace and footwork. Even a cut above his eye could not slow him down or force him to raise his guard.
"My strategy was to attack from word go, I took the first round with that and in the second, I had to protect my cut as well, while going forward, which I managed to do," Akash said after the triumph.
