Bangkok, May 29 (FN Agency) In a stellar performance at the World Olympic Boxing Qualification Tournament 2024, Nishant Dev secured his place in the pre-quarterfinals of the men’s 71kg category by outpunching his Mongolian opponent in just over two minutes on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Abhinash Jamwal exited the 63.5kg category, and Sachin Siwach advanced to the last 16 in the men’s 57kg division. Nishant dominated his bout against Mongolia’s Otgonbaatar Byamba-Erdeneto from the start, delivering a flurry of punches that forced a standing count within the first minute.Another combination of a jab and cross hook led to a second standing count, and the referee stopped the contest (RSC) with 58 seconds remaining in round one. Nishant, 23, will now face Thailand’s Peerapat Yeasungnoen on Wednesday for a place in the quarterfinals.Later in the day, Siwach also displayed impressive form, overpowering Denmark’s Frederik Jensen from the outset. Siwach’s confidence grew as the match progressed, leading to a 5-0 unanimous verdict victory. Earlier, Jamwal put up a valiant effort against Colombia’s Jose Manuel Viafara Fory.
Despite losing a close first round, Jamwal dominated the third round, resulting in a tie on points from all five judges.However, after a detailed deliberation, all judges voted in favor of Fory, finalising the score at 5-0 for the Colombian. India has already secured three Paris 2024 Olympic boxing quotas through Tokyo 2020 bronze medallist Lovlina Borgohain (women’s 75kg), two-time world champion Nikhat Zareen (women’s 50kg), and Preeti Pawar (women’s 54kg). However, the National Olympic Committees (NOCs) have the final authority to select athletes for the Olympic Games, meaning participation at Paris 2024 depends on their respective NOC’s decision.India has fielded seven men and three women for the second World Olympic Qualifier, aiming to secure more Paris 2024 Olympic quotas. At the Thailand meet, three quotas are available in the women’s 60kg, men’s 57kg, and men’s 80kg divisions. The men’s 63.5kg and 71kg divisions each offer five quotas, while the remaining nine categories offer four each.Indian boxers did not secure any quotas at the first World Boxing Qualification Tournament held in Busto Arsizio, Italy, in March.