Asian Games: Lovlina gets quota for Paris Olympics, Preeti wins bronze

India’s excellent performance continues in the Asian Games being played in Hangzhou. World champion Lovlina Borgohain, who played for India in the 75 kg women’s boxing semi-final match played on October 3, performed brilliantly and entered the final match. By reaching the final match, Lovlina Borgohain secured the Olympic quota while young boxer Preeti Panwar had to settle for bronze after losing in the 54 kg semi-final match.

Preeti was seen struggling in front of the Chinese player

Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist Lovlina defeated Asian Championship silver medalist Besan Manikon of Thailand in a unanimous decision in the semi-finals. Taking full advantage of her tall height, Lovlina delivered spectacular punches. After falling behind in the first round, her opponent tried to make a comeback in the last three minutes but was not successful. On the other hand, Preeti, who had secured Olympic quota, was defeated 5-0 by current flyweight champion Chang Yuan of China. In the first three minutes, Preeti performed well and threw punches but later could not maintain the rhythm. The Chinese player showed tremendous aggression and did not give him any chance. In the first round, four out of five judges ruled in favor of the Chinese player. In the second round, Preeti tried to break her defence. Yuan also received a warning for hitting Preeti on the back of the head. He won by playing defensively in the last three minutes.

4 Indian boxers who have secured berths for Paris Olympics

• Nikhat Zareen (50 kg)

• Preeti Pawar (54 kg)

• Parveen Hooda (57 kg)

• Lovlina Borgohain (75 kg)