If the Indian weightlifters brought home a rich haul of trophies, the pugilists stand a chance to match their tally. Having finished second to England at the Gold Coast games in 2018 and impressing across the world stage- including in the Olympics, India is an emerging boxing powerhouse. While MC Mary Kom was blazing a trail at world events, Vijender Singh’s Olympic bronze in 2008 was the shot in the arm Indian boxing needed. The introduction of women’s boxing into the Olympics fold paved the way for further successes. Mary Kom and Lovlina Borgohain– claiming bronze in London 2012 and Tokyo 2020, respectively- expanded India’s reputation in the ring.

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The Indian boxers have travelled to Birmingham with their hopes resting on a mix of stalwarts and dangerous lesser-knowns. Flyweights (52 kg) Amit Panghal and Nikhat Zareen are the star attractions. Panghal- who won silver at the World Championships in 2019- is unquestionably India’s most technically gifted boxer. He made light work of Scot Lennon Mulligan in the quarter-finals, whipping the Scot 5-0 over three rounds. World Champion boxer Zareen has enjoyed serene progress, breezing into the semis with a commanding win against Welsh woman Helen Jones. Both are assured of bronze but will push for the more precious metals.

Lightweight Jaismine Lamboria has also progressed to the semis. The result, slightly less unanimous than those of her compatriots, was dominant nonetheless. Kiwi Troy Garton came under a flurry of Jaismine-punches, losing 1-4. Nitu Ganghas (48kg) and Mohammed Hussamudin (57kg) join Amit, Zareen and Jasmine in the semis, adding more heft to India’s medal tally.

However, Lovlina Borgohain’s exit is a mini dampener on the boxing camp. The Olympic bronze medal-winning middleweight (70kg) was stunned by Rosie Eccles of Wales. After starting well- winning the first round 4-1- she came unstuck against Eccles’ brave boxing. Lovlina edged a tight second round 3-2 but was helpless against the Welsh’s sustained assault in the third and final round.

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The other medal aspirants are quarter-finalists Sagar Ahalwat and Rohit Tokas. Sagar- a super heavyweight (92 kg)- is making his international debut. The 20-year-old goes toe-to-toe with hulking Seychelles pugilist Keddy Evans Agnes. The dangerous welterweight Rohit Tokas takes the stage against Niue’s Xavier Mata’afa-Ikinofo. While India won’t match their tally of nine medals from the previous edition, the boxers will look to bag more than the three golds from their Gold Coast haul.