Sep 30, 2023
“Indian Boxers Shine at Asian Games”
In an electrifying showdown, the indomitable Preeti Pawar faced off against Kazakhstan’s Zhaina Shekerbekova, a three-time World Championship medalist and reigning Asian champion, emerging triumphant in a heart-pounding 54kg quarterfinal bout.
Preeti Pawar, the 19-year-old powerhouse, not only earned her golden ticket to the Paris Olympics but also etched her name in the annals of Asian Games history alongside the formidable Lovlina Borgohain. Their journey to the semifinals on Saturday was nothing short of an adrenaline-pumping roller-coaster ride, complete with edge-of-the-seat moments.
Meanwhile, Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist Lovlina Borgohain, given a well-deserved first-round pass, showcased her mastery in the women’s 75 kg category, delivering a masterclass with a resounding 5-0 unanimous decision over South Korea’s Seong Suyeon. Lovlina now stands on the precipice of Olympic glory, just one victory away from clinching the highly coveted quota.
Preeti unleashed her assault from the very first bell, though she had to weather the storm as her seasoned adversary relentlessly tested her defenses. Undaunted, the young Indian continued to press Shekerbekova, ultimately securing a razor-thin 3-2 lead in the nail-biting first round.
As the second round unfolded, Preeti executed a tactical shift, employing a long-range jab and adeptly maneuvering away from the ring’s center—a calculated move that injected an element of surprise into her arsenal.
In the final three minutes, both warriors unleashed a barrage of lightning-fast exchanges, each punch laden with the weight of their Olympic aspirations. Fatigue began to take its toll on Shekerbekova, while Preeti’s unwavering assault left an indelible mark, sealing the victory in a display of sheer determination.
And let’s not overlook Friday’s historic feat: Nikhat Zareen etched her name in the annals of Indian boxing history as the trailblazer who secured an Olympic quota.
For the women, the path to Paris now involves the semifinalists in the 50kg, 54kg, 57kg, and 60kg categories, alongside the finalists in the 66kg and 75kg divisions. Meanwhile, in the men’s event, the gold and silver medalists across seven weight categories will secure their coveted Olympic quotas.
This is a journey driven by an unwavering commitment to excellence, fueled by passion and courage—a journey that will undoubtedly inscribe their names in the annals of sporting legends.”
