Indian boxers continued their fine form as six of them, led by the 2019 World Championships bronze medallist Jamuna Boro, stormed into the semifinals of the Elorda Cup in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, on Friday.
In all, 13 Indian boxers are assured of medals in the competition.
Jamuna looked in complete control throughout her 54kg quarterfinal bout against Aishagul Yeleubayeva of Kazakhstan as she showed strong skills and continued to pick up clean punches en route to a comfortable 5-0 win.
The 2017 World Youth champion Jyoti Gulia (52kg), who hails from Rohtak faced Kazakhstan's Zhansaya Rakhymberdi. Jyoti took the first round to gauge her opponent's strategy before coming back strongly in the next two rounds. She displayed her speed, accurate punches and moved around the ring swiftly to earn a 4-1 split verdict in her favour.
The 2016 World Championships silver medallist Sonia Lather (57kg) defeated local boxer Zhuldyz Shayakhmetova 5-0 in a one-sided affair, according to a press release by the Boxing Federation of India (BFI).
Ananta Chopade (54kg) also comfortably defeated Kazakhstan's Altynbek Nursultan 5-0 while Sachin (57kg) progressed to the last-four stage after his opponent Lyu Ping from China got injured in the second round.
Sakshi (54kg) moved to the semis by getting the better of Kazakhstan's Muzdiman Balausa in a comfortable 5-0 win.
On the other hand, Arshi (52kg) and Aarti (57kg) lost to their respective Kazakh rivals by an identical 5-0 margin.
In the men's section, Aditya (67kg) showed great courage against reigning Asian Champion Baatarsukh Chinzorig of Mongolia but lost the bout unanimously. Pawan (75kg) also ended his campaign with a defeat against Railways Nurkanat of Kazakhstan.
Late on Thursday night, three Indian women boxers, Gitika (48kg), Lalita (70kg) and Babita (81kg) advanced to the semifinals.
Four Indian boxers, S. Kalaivani (48kg), Neema (63kg), Alfiya (81+kg) and Jugnoo (92kg) will start in the semifinal as 13 Indian boxers are assured of medals.
Top players from strong boxing countries such as India, Uzbekistan, hosts Kazakhstan, Cuba, China and Mongolia, are competing in the inaugural edition of Elorda Cup. Finals will be played on July 4.
The champion boxer will receive USD 700 while the silver and bronze medal winners will take home USD 400 and USD 200, respectively.
