Uzbekistan no-show makes lopsided field for Indians

Guwahati, May 22 

 The 14-member Uzbekistan contingent comprising reigning Asian Games champion duo of Mirazizbek Mirzakhalilov and Bobo-Usmon Baturov did not show up at the India Open, making it a lopsided field for the hosts. 

The Uzbeks had confirmed participation of nine boxers in the men’s section that included two-time World Championships silver medalist Jasurbek Latipov (49kg), Mirazizbek (56kg), Asian Games silver medalist Shunkor Abdurasulov (60kg) and Baturov (69kg). Uzbekistan had also sent entries of five boxers in the women’s section. 

“They had sent their ticket and travel details and everything was in order. But they did not show up. We tried contacting them but their offices were closed due to Ramadan holidays,” BFI executive director Raj Kumar Sacheti told PTI. 

Apparently, the team did not get government clearance, and with prolonged holidays due to Ramadan, they were forced to withdraw from the continental meet. 

Lovlina has it easy

Local favourite Lovlina Borgohain, who won the bronze at the World Championships in New Delhi, was the biggest gainer of the Uzbeks no-show as she got a walkover into the final in the 69kg.

Lovlina was pitted against Yunusova Shakhnoza of Uzbekistan in the semifinals of the four-member draw of the middle-weight category. — PTI