Boxing Federation of India Unveils 9-Member Squad for Paris Olympics 2024 Qualification Tournament
The Boxing Federation of India (BFI) has made a significant declaration by revealing the powerful nine athletes who will be participating in the first Paris Olympics 2024 World Qualification Tournament. This event is highly anticipated and will take place from February 29 to March 12 at Busto Arsizio, Italy. Being an essential stage in securing spots for the upcoming Paris Olympic Games, it holds immense importance for India’s pursuit of this achievement.
Leading the team is Shiva Thapa, a highly-regarded six-time medalist at Asian Championships. He will be competing in the fiercely competitive men’s 63.5kg category with hopes of emerging victorious. Additionally, Jaismine Lamboria, a skilled athlete who won bronze at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, joins him on the roster, ready to exhibit her abilities in the women’s 60kg division.
Moreover, Narender Berwal also makes an appearance among them, having secured third place as a bronze medalist during the recently held Asian Games and poised to make his mark further by showcasing talent towards glory this time round within the +92 kg weight class competition segment of the boxing arena.
Last year’s World Championship bronze medalists, Deepak Bhoria (52kg), Mohammed Hussamuddin (57 kg), and Nishant Dev (71 kg), bolstered the Indian contingent with their strength. Their impressive representation in their respective weight categories assures thrilling matches and a strong possibility of securing esteemed Olympic spots.
Lakshya Chahar and Sanjeet Kumar, champions in their respective national categories of 80kg and 92kg, complete the team with the aim of displaying their dominance. The spotlight is also on Ankushita Boro, a promising rising star who won the Youth World Championship, as she takes part in the women’s 66 kg category.
The selection procedure was thorough, as elaborated by Hemanta Kumar Kalita, Secretary General of the Boxing Federation of India. The high-performance team conducted a meticulous assessment, and scores were assigned to contenders; those with top marks made it into the squad. Kalita exuded certainty in their abilities, not only to contend but also to dominate at the Paris Olympics 2024 while acquiring prestigious positions.
The significance of the inaugural World Qualification Tournament in Busto Arsizio cannot be overstated, as it presents an opportunity for 50 spots at the Paris Olympics in 2024. With a division of 22 spots designated for women’s events and another 28 reserved for men, competition among aspiring athletes vying to represent their countries on the world stage has become increasingly fierce.
The second World Qualification Tournament is set to take place in Bangkok from May 23 to June 3. It’s worth noting that those who have already taken part in the continental qualification tournament or the first World Qualification Tournament won’t be able to participate in this one. This situation adds another layer of uncertainty and tactics to an athlete’s daily training routine, as relentless challenges while aiming for a place at the Olympics stand in front.
Secondly, the declaration reveals four Indian boxers who have already made their way into the Paris Olympics in 2024. Nikhat Zareen (50 kg), Preeti (54kg), Parveena Hooda, and Lovlina Borgohain, who is also 57 kg, secured their coveted positions on the back of impressive performances at Asiad, which was held in Hangzhou,China. These talented athletes are now set to be very serious competitors and also positive medal bets for the Indian team as we gear up for the Paris Olympics in 2024.
The upcoming performances of India’s pugilists on the world stage continue to generate a lot of excitement in the Indian boxing scene. The new team is made up of old and young players, which revels in the fact that India seeks perfection in this sport.
Indian boxers are getting ready to pound in their hardship fights within Busto Arsizio while the whole nation eagerly waits for these talented athletes not just to compete but also to win a significant place for India at the Paris Olympics in 2024. Even though the qualification for this global sporting platform is very challenging, their grit and resolve, with unwavering support from the countrymen, will ensure that these pugilists establish an enduring legacy in Indian sports history.