Boxing contingent announced for 2018 Asian Games

After a rigorous selection committee meeting and trials in three categories, the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) announced the list of 10 boxers who will represent the Indian squad at the 2018 Asian Games, here on Friday.

Driving force behind the men’s team will be Arjuna awardee Vikas Krishan (75 kg) who has previously won a gold and bronze at the 2010 and 2014 Asian Games respectively and 2010 CWG Gold and 2018 Bronze medallist, Manoj Kumar (69 kg).

Commonwealth gold medalist Gaurav Solanki (52 kg), who has stayed atop the national rankings and recently won the gold medal at the Chemistry Cup also made the cut and will look to emulate his CWG run at the Asian Games too. Bronze medallist from the CWG - Mohammad Hussamuddin (56 kg) and Silver medallist, Amit (49 kg) have also been named in the squad and will hope to shine on their debut at the continental event.

Providing depth to the squad will be World Championship bronze medallist Shiva Thapa, who will make his return to the squad after missing out on the Commonwealth Games. In the trial held at the Indira Gandhi Stadium on Friday, CWG Silver medallist Manish Kaushik felt short as the two time Olympian boxer, Thapa stamped his position in the squad. Kaushik in the past has twice won against Shiva, but the experienced boxer from Assam looked determined and left the Army pugilist reeling in the middle of the squared ring to earn his berth for the Asiads.

In the second men’s trial of the day, finalizing the 64 kg weight category the selection bout took place between Rohit Tokas and Dheeraj, 2018 bronze Chemistry Cup bronze medalist. While both the pugilist had a close fight, Dheeraj, the Army boxer upped the steam in the third round to take the match and ensured his place in the final squad.

The women’s department which will feature three weight categories will witness the 2016 World Championship silver medalist Sonia Lather fight it out in the 57 kg. While Umakhanov Memorial tournament bronze medallist, Pavitra will lead India’s charge in the 60 kg event.

Also Read: "Stubborn" boxer Sonia Lather aiming high amidst numerous hurdles

In the 51 kg category, Sarjubala Devi defeated Pinki Rani in the selection trial to take the final spot in the squad. Both the boxers had earned equal points and share of wins in the last two months and the trial was organised to finalize the last name in the squad.

Sarjubala Devi dominated in the trial match and won with rather ease to log in her name on the Asian Games roster.

“Selection committee went through a rigorous selection process which was transparent and all boxers were given opportunities to perform. The squad has been finalised after minute deliberation of the performances each of the boxers showed and based on the criteria set for the selection process. I am confident that the squad which is a mix of experience and youth is the best possible we could have sent. I wish them all the best,” BFI President Ajay Singh said.

In order to keep the selection process transparent, BFI had taken into account performances of all the pugilists from January 2018 with the CWG holding the utmost importance along with performances in the series of international exposure trips that were conducted in the last month alone for the men and women boxers. Along with their international performances the selection committee also accounted their performance in camp, physical status and injury history while finalising the final names.

Indian boxing which is going through its best ever phase would definitely want to better their 2014 medal count, where they had returned with 5 medals including a gold medal in women’s category

The continental blue riband event which is in its 18^th edition will start from August 18^th, with the boxing event commencing on August 24^th and will run up till September 1st.

INDIAN TEAM SQUAD

Sr.No	MEN’S TEAM	Sr.No	WOMEN’S TEAM
1.	AMIT (49 Kg)	1.	SARJUBALA DEVI (51 KG)
2.	GAURAV SOLANKI (52 KG)	2.	SONIA LATHER (57 KG)
3.	HUSSAM UDDIN MOHAMMED (57 KG)	3.	PAVITRA (60KG)
4.	DHEERAJ (64 KG)
5.	SHIVA THAPA (60 KG)
6.	MANOJ KUMAR (69 KG)
7.	VIKASH KRISHAN (75 KG)