The 1st World Qualification Tournament in Busto Arsizio, Italy, will witness nine Indian boxers seven men and two women competing for spots in the Paris Olympics, including seasoned players like Shiva Thapa, Deepak Bhoria, and Nishant Dev.
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Aiming for Olympic Berths
The Paris 2024 Boxing Unit (PBU), an ad-hoc body created by the International Olympic Committee Executive Board, will oversee the qualifiers. With 49 quota places up for grabs, reaching the semifinals guarantees a boxer a ticket to Paris. However, in the women's 60kg category, a box-off between the losing semifinalists will decide the final three spots.
Strong Contenders and Hopes
While several boxers have already secured quota places, others, like Colombia's Yuberjen Martinez and Japan's Tomoya Tsuboi, are aiming to seal the deal in Italy. India's hopes rest on the shoulders of world championship medallists Bhoria, Mohammed Hussamudin, and Dev. Additionally, two-time Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Hussamudin will return to the ring after a hiatus due to knee surgery.
Last Shot at Qualification
Although some Indian boxers have already booked their tickets to Paris, this tournament in Italy is crucial for those still aiming to qualify. The final opportunity for boxers to secure a place at the Paris Games will be in May or June in Thailand. India had nine boxers at the Tokyo Olympics, resulting in one bronze medal, won by Lovlina Borgohain.
MEN
Deepak Bhoria (51kg), Mohammad Hussamuddin (57kg), Shiva Thapa (63.5kg), Nishant Dev (71kg), Lakshya Chahar (80kg), Sanjeet (92kg), Narender Berwal (+92kg).
WOMEN
Jaismine Lamboria (60kg), Ankushita Boro (66kg).
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