Jakarta, Aug 29 :
Star boxer Vikas Krishan (75kg) overcame a bleeding left eye to be assured of an unprecedented third consecutive Asian Games medal, while Amit Panghal (49kg) produced a power-packed performance in his quarterfinal bout to guarantee himself a maiden podium finish here today.
However, it was curtains for world silver-medallist Sarjubala Devi (51kg) after she lost her quarterfinal bout 0-5 to up and coming Chinese Chang Yuan, a Youth Olympics gold-medallist and also a former youth worth champion.
Her loss means that Indian women boxers would be returning without a medal from the Asiad for the first time since the event was added to the Games in 2010. The celebrated M C Mary Kom had claimed a gold and L Sarita Devi and Pooja Rani fetched a bronze each in the 2014 edition.
Vikas, a gold medallist in 2010 and bronze winner in 2014, prevailed on a split 3-2 verdict against China’s Tuoheta Erbieke Tanglatihan in the quarterfinals.
It was a tough bout for the seasoned boxer, who had to go on the defensive in the first round. He will square off against Kazakhstan’s Abilkhan Amankul in the semifinals.
Earlier, Amit advanced to the 49kg semifinals to assure himself of a maiden medal at the Games.
In the evening session, national champion Dheeraj Rangi (64kg) fought his heart out against Mongolia’s Baatarsukh Chinzorig but could not find favour with judges. The Indian came up with impressive right hooks but was done in by a weak defence.
With this, India equalled its 2014 performance in men’s boxing in terms of number of medals assured. (PTI)
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