Lovlina Borgohain and Team Secure Spots for Commonwealth and Asian Games
Selection Trials Conclude with Key Victories
Patiala, May 16: Olympic bronze medalist Lovlina Borgohain, along with standout performers Sakshi Chaudhary, Jadumani Singh, and Narender Berwal, made headlines on the final day of selection trials, securing their places for the upcoming Commonwealth and Asian Games amidst intense competition and adjustments in weight categories.
They will be joined by world championship bronze medalist Parveen Hooda (65kg), Sumit Kundu (70kg), Ankush (80kg), and Kapil Pokhariya (90kg), all of whom triumphed in their respective finals.
Aditya Pratap Singh, the reigning national champion in the 65kg category, confirmed his participation solely for the Commonwealth Games set to take place in Glasgow during July-August.
The Asian Games are scheduled for September-October in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
The trials featured significant weight category changes as boxers sought to adapt to the limited classes available.
In a highlight match, two-time youth world champion Sakshi delivered an impressive performance, defeating reigning 48kg world champion Minakshi Hooda 5-0 to secure the 51kg position. This victory marked her second consecutive win over a world champion, having previously bested two-time world gold medalist Nikhat Zareen.
Sakshi's success is particularly noteworthy given her earlier struggles to qualify for the Asian Championships under the now-revised assessment system. With Preeti Pawar already having secured the 54kg quota through her gold medal at the Asian Championships, Sakshi's decision to drop a weight class proved to be a wise move.
Teams:
Women: Sakshi Chaudhary (51kg), Preeti Pawar (54kg), Jaismine Lamboria (57kg, only CWG), Priya Ghanghas (60kg), Parveen Hooda (65kg), Arundhati Chaudhary (70kg, Only CWG), Lovlina Borgohain (75kg).
Men: Jadumani Singh (55kg), Sachin Siwach (60kg), Aditya Pratap Singh (65kg, only CWG), Sumit Kundu (70kg), Ankush (80kg), Kapil Pokhariya (90kg), Narender Berwal (+90kg).