Boxing young guns on a roll

New Delhi, August 30

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World youth bronze-medallist Bishwamitra Chongtham (51kg), Vishal (80kg) and Neha (54kg) struck gold, while six other Indian boxers signed off with silver medals in the Asian Youth Championships in Dubai today.

Chongtham defeated Uzbekistan’s Kuziboev Ahmadjon 4-1, staving off a stiff challenge. Vishal, on the other hand, out-punched Kyrgyzstan’s Akmatov Sanzhar 5-0 to finish on top.

Among the women, Neha pulled off a hard-fought 3-2 win over Kazakhstan’s Aishagul Yeleubayeva to clinch the yellow metal.

The last time India secured two gold medals in the men’s competition was back in 2010.

Vishvanath Suresh (48kg), Vanshaj (63.5kg) and Jaydeep Rawat (71kg) ended with silver medals. Suresh lost 5-0 to reigning youth world champion Sanzar Tashkenbay of Kazakhstan. Vanshaj was also beaten 5-0 by Yernur Suyunbay of Kazakhstan in his summit clash. Rawat did not complete his bout against Uzbekistan’s Abdullaev Alokhon, whose pounding left the Indian visibly shaken and mostly off-balance in the opening round itself.

In the women’s competition, Nivedita (48kg) ended with a silver medal after losing to Uzbekistan’s Farzona Fozilova. Tamanna (50kg) also finished second after losing to another Uzbek in Sabina Bobokulava in her final bout. Simran (52kg) lost to Uzbekistan’s Kazakova Feruza despite a spirited performance. — PTI