Vikas, Manoj settle for bronze, Devendro falters

L. Devendro Singh lost to Carmona Heredia Samuel of Spain 1-2 in the 49kg semifinals of the World Olympics boxing qualifying event to lose out on a berth in the Rio Games.

Devendro’s defeat in the last-four in Baku on Friday ended his chances of qualification. Only two slots were up for grabs in 49kg, necessitating a boxer to reach the final in order to make it to the Rio Olympics.

India has bagged three quota places in the Olympics, including the one earned by Shiva Thapa (56kg).

Manoj Kumar and Vikas Krishan, who bagged Olympic quota places in 64kg and 75kg respectively on Thursday, settled for bronze medals.

Manoj lost to British boxer Pat McCormack 0-3.

“Vikas, who was to fight Arsianbek Achilov of Turkmenistan, was declared medically unfit by the doctors of the competition during the morning weigh in and medical examination. Vikas had stitches above his eyes,” said National chief coach G.S. Sandhu.

Meanwhile, Sumit Sangwan, who had hopes of qualifying despite losing to Petr Khamukov in the 81kg quarterfinals, had disappointment in store. The Russian’s loss in the semifinals shut the door on Sangwan.

The Baku event was the last qualifying event for amateur boxers. Pugilists with the experience of fighting in professional events will get a chance to make it to the Olympics by competing in the APB/WSB qualifying event in Vargas, Venezuela, from July 3 to 8.