Vikas, Manoj get bronze

Baku (Azerbaijan), June 24 

Already through to the Rio Olympics, Indian boxers Vikas Krishan (75kg) and Manoj Kumar (64kg) had to be content with bronze medals in the International Boxing Association’s (AIBA) World Qualifying Tournament here today.

While Vikas was declared medically unfit and had to concede his bout against Turkmenistan’s Achilov Arslanbek, Manoj lost 0-3 to reigning European champion Pat McCormack of Britain.

In another disappointing news for India, Sumit Sangwan’s (81kg) hopes of qualifying for the Olympics also ended today. Sumit, who lost to top seed Petr Khamukov of Russia in the quarterfinal last night, would have remained in contention had his opponent gone on to win the gold medal. But the Russian chose to give a walkover in the semifinal, dashing Sumit’s hopes.

Vikas sustained a cut on his face last night during his quarterfinal contest against Korea’s Lee Dongyun. The Indian triumphed 3-0 to make the semifinal and assure himself of an Olympics quota berth.

However, the injury he sustained on his forehead required stitches, which forced him out of the semifinal clash.

“Vikas Krishan could not box today as he was declared medically unfit by the official doctors of the competition in the morning weigh-in and medical examination because of stitches above his eyes,” said an official of the Indian team.

Devendro fails to qualify

L Devendro Singh (49 kg) fought his heart out but failed to clinch an Olympics berth as he lost in the semifinals. With only two quota spots available in the 49kg category, it was end of the road for the gutsy Manipuri as he lost 1-2 to Spaniard Carmona Heredia Samuel in a closely fought encounter.  

Three Indian boxers have qualified for the Olympic Games. Apart from Vikas and Manoj, Shiva Thapa (56kg) has also made the cut, booking his berth in the Asian Qualifiers in March. — PTI