Ankit Narwal from India experienced a hard-fought defeat in his first boxing match of the second Elorda Cup held in Astana, Kazakhstan on Tuesday. Competing against Sultan Mussinov from Kazakhstan, Ankit (63.5kg) displayed great resilience but ultimately suffered a 0-5 loss, leading to his exit from the tournament.
On Wednesday, six Indian boxers will enter the ring for their respective opening matches of the Elorda Cup. Sonia Lather, the silver medalist from the 2016 World Championships in the 57kg category, will face Viktoriya Grafeyeva from Kazakhstan in her tournament opener. Additionally, Shvinder Singh Kaur (50kg) and Poonam (60kg), both female boxers, will also participate. Shvinder will compete against Turapbay Gulnar from Kazakhstan, while Poonam will face off against Issayeva Shakhnaz, also from Kazakhstan.
Among the male boxers, Zoram Muana (51kg), Hemant Yadav (71kg), and Sanjay (80kg) will commence their respective campaigns in the tournament.
The Boxing Federation of India (BFI) has assembled a team of 16 members, including both male and female boxers, to represent India in the tournament. After securing 14 medals in the previous edition of the competition, India is determined to surpass that achievement this time. The gold medalists will receive a prize of 700 USD, while the silver medalists will be awarded 400 USD. Furthermore, the two boxers who secure bronze medals will each receive 200 USD.
Indian Contingent for Elorda Cup
Men: Keisham Sanjit Singh (48kg), Zoram Muana (51kg), Pukharam Kishan Singh (54kg), Ashish Kumar (57kg), Vijay Kumar (60kg), Ankit Narwal (63.5kg), Hemant Yadav (71kg), Sanjay (80kg) and Sumit (86kg)
Women: Shvinder Kaur Sidhu (50kg), Shiksha (54kg), Sonia Lather (57kg), Poonam (60kg), Neema (63kg), Thokchom Sanamacha Chanu (70kg) and Sushma (81kg).
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