Asian Games: Parveen Hooda assures India of medal in boxing; seals Olympic berth
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Hangzhou: Parveen Hooda, the boxer who won the bronze medal at the World Championships, advanced to the 57 kg semi-finals on Sunday, guaranteeing India a medal at the Asian Games and securing a spot on the Paris Olympic team.
Sitora Turdibekova of Uzbekistan was defeated by Parveen, who took home the bronze medal in the 63 kg division at the 2022 World Boxing Championships.
The reigning Asian champion was in her element from the word go, using her long arms to throw punches from a distance and control proceedings.
She switched between the left jab and the right cross to unnerve the 21-year-old Uzbek.
Parveen fought a strategic bout as after going on the offensive in the opening round, she waited for Turdibekova to come forward, only to pummel her with accurate scoring punches.
Turdibekova did make a strong comeback by landing several blows on Parveen, but it wasn't enough to convince the judges to rule the bout in favour of the Indian.
The two-time world champion Nikhat Zareen (50kg), Preeti Pawar (54kg), Lovlina Borgohain (75kg ) and Narender Berwal (+92kg) have already secured Olympic quotas in their respective categories.
In women's events, the semifinalists in the 50kg, 54kg, 57kg, and 60kg as well as the finalists in the 66kg and 75kg will qualify for the Paris Olympics.
The gold and silver medallists in each of the seven weight divisions in the men's event will receive Olympic quotas.
With PTI inputs