Indian boxers aim for improved show at men’s World Championships in Uzbekistan
The Hindu
Indian boxers will be highly motivated to better the one bronze medal secured in the previous edition when they step inside the ring for the men’s World Championships, starting in Uzbekistan from May 1.
Indian boxers will be highly motivated to better the one bronze medal secured in the previous edition when they step inside the ring for the men's World Championships, starting in Uzbekistan from May 1.
There are no Olympic berths on offer but the Worlds will provide the pugilists with good preparation ahead of September's Asian Games, which is a qualifying event for the Paris Olympics.
The revised weight divisions for men, after being reduced for from 13 to 7 are 51 kg, 57 kg, 63.5 kg, 71 kg, 80 kg, 92 kg, +92 kg.
India's hopes will be majorly pinned on six-time Asian Championship medallist Shiva Thapa (63.5 kg) in the absence of Amit Panghal, who claimed the country's maiden silver in 2019, and last edition's lone medallist Akash Kumar.
Shiva created history last year when he became the first male pugilist to win six Asian Championships medals with a silver.
Having won a bronze at the 2015 Worlds, Shiva has tasted success at the prestigious event. He will be eager to change the shade of his medal.
Alongside Shiva, Mohammad Hussamuddin (57 kg) and Ashish Chaudhary (80 kg) form the experienced core of the squad.