Amman (Jordan), Nov 1: Sparsh Kumar kickstarted India’s campaign on a rousing note in the ASBC Asian Elite Boxing Championships, registering a dominating win in the men’s 51kg here on Tuesday.
Sparsh (51kg) was up against Kyrgyzstan’s Diushebaev Nurzhigit in the round of the 32 bout, and the Punjab boxer displayed sharp foot movement and precise punches to notch a comfortable 5-0 win.
The southpaw dictated the pace of the bout from the beginning and didn’t allow his opponent to settle down.
Sparsh will face Olympic bronze medallist and reigning world champion Saken Bibossinov in the pre-quarterfinal on Wednesday.
Later on Tuesday, Lakshya Chahar (80kg) will begin his campaign against Tajikistan’s Shabbos Negmatulloev in the pre-quarterfinal bout.
Five-time Asian medallist Shiva Thapa (63.5kg) as well as seven other Indian male pugilists – Ananta (54kg), Hussamuddin (57kg), Etash Khan (60kg), Amit Kumar (67kg), Sachin (71kg), Lakshya (80kg) and Kapil (86kg) – will begin their campaign in the pre-quarter finals.
The tournament is witnessing a total participation of 267 boxers from 27 countries. (PTI)
