ASBC Asian U-22 & Youth Boxing Championships: Indian Boxers Secure Record 43 Medals

Indian pugilists have made history at the ASBC Asian U-22 & Youth Boxing Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan, by confirming a record 43 medals across categories. Akash Gorkha, Vishvanath Suresh, Nikhil, and Preet Malik have all advanced to the U-22 men’s finals, showcasing their exceptional talent in the ring.

Senior national champion Akash continued his dominant run in the 60kg category with a convincing 5-0 win over Ilyasov Sayat of Uzbekistan in the semi-finals. Reigning youth world champion Vishvanath secured a 5-2 victory against Baricuatro Bryan of the Philippines after a reviewed bout. Nikhil and Preet also emerged victorious in their respective semi-final matches with a 5-2 scoreline after reviews against opponents from Mongolia and Kyrgyzstan.

While these boxers shone bright, there were also some heartbreaks as M Jadumani Singh, Ajay Kumar, Ankush, Dhruv Singh, Jugnoo, and Yuvraj settled for bronze medals following their losses in the U-22 semis. However, the Indian contingent still has nine women boxers, including Olympic-bound Preeti, competing in the U-22 semi-finals.

The U-22 finals are set to take place on Tuesday, with high expectations from the Indian boxers. In the youth women’s category, reigning junior world champion Nisha and Asian youth champion Nikita Chand, along with five other boxers, have advanced to the finals.

Overall, Indian boxers have secured an impressive 43 medals in the prestigious tournament, showcasing their prowess against tough competition from over 24 countries. The high-voltage action at the championships has highlighted India’s growing dominance in the sport of boxing, with promising talents emerging as medal contenders on the international stage.