Preeti faced a formidable opponent in Kazakhstan’s Zhaina Shekerbekova, a three-time World Championship medallist and reigning Asian champion. Despite the odds stacked against her, Preeti displayed unwavering courage and grit, ultimately clinching a hard-fought victory with a score of 4-1 in the fiercely-contested quarterfinal bout.
Asian Games Day 7
The young Indian boxer came out swinging, taking the offensive stance from the very beginning. However, she had to weather numerous challenges as her more experienced rival, Shekerbekova, broke through her defences multiple times. Undaunted by the setbacks, Preeti maintained her relentless assault, securing a narrow 3-2 lead in the first round.
In her strategic approach to the bout, Preeti shifted tactics at the start of the second round, moving away from the centre of the ring and utilising a long-range jab to keep her opponent at bay. As the final three minutes ticked away, both boxers exchanged a flurry of punches, although accuracy eluded them. Fatigue began to take its toll on Shekerbekova, while Preeti continued to dominate with well-placed shots, ultimately securing the win.
This victory not only guarantees Preeti Pawar a place in the semifinals of the women’s 54kg category at the Asian Games but also secures her a quota for the Paris Olympics, marking a significant achievement in her budding career.
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This achievement follows closely on the heels of Nikhat Zareenwho became the first Indian boxer to secure an Olympic quota, further highlighting India’s growing prowess in the world of boxing.
In the women’s boxing events at the Asian Games, semifinalists in the 50kg, 54kg, 57kg, and 60kg categories will secure berths for the Paris Olympics, while the finalists in the 66kg and 75kg categories will also earn Olympic quotas. Additionally, the gold and silver medallists in each of the seven weight divisions in the men’s boxing event will receive coveted Olympic quotas.
(With inputs from PTI)
