Amit Panghal Secures Olympic Quota for Paris 2024 with Quarterfinal Victory

Indian boxer Amit Panghal has secured his place in the Paris 2024 Olympics by defeating China's Chuang Liu in the 51kg quarterfinals of the 2nd World Qualification Tournament held in Bangkok. Panghal's 5-0 victory on Sunday ensures his second appearance at the Olympic Games.

Panghal joins an elite group of Indian boxers who have already qualified for the Paris Olympics, including Nishant Dev (71kg), Nikhat Zareen (50kg), Preeti Pawar (54kg), and Lovlina Borgohain (75kg). This marks a significant comeback for Panghal, who had only one shot at making the Paris Olympics after losing his place in the national team to Deepak Bhoria.

The quarterfinal bout against Chuang Liu began slowly, with both boxers assessing each other. Liu initially took the initiative, leveraging his height advantage, and Panghal struggled to find his range. Trailing 1-4 after the first round, Panghal adjusted his strategy in the second round, going on the offensive and landing punches to win the round unanimously.

In the final round, Liu changed his game plan and moved closer to Panghal, leading to an intense exchange of punches. Panghal's persistence and strategic maneuvers ensured his victory, with all five judges ruling in his favor. This win highlights Panghal's resilience and determination to secure his Olympic berth.

Panghal's path to qualification has been challenging. He lost his place in the national team as a result of the Boxing Federation of India's evaluation system, which favored Deepak Bhoria. Despite this setback, Panghal won a gold medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and emerged victorious at the prestigious Strandja Memorial tournament earlier this year.

As Vishank Razdan tweeted, "AMIT PANGHAL!!! YOU LITTLE CHAMPION..WHAT COMEBACK AFTER BEING DOWN ON 4 CARDS AFTER 1ST ROUND TO SEAL THE WIN BY UD & ALSO SECURE INDIA'S 5TH PARIS2024 QUOTA IN BOXING. Well done & congratulations Amit for your 2nd Olympics."

Later in the day, Indian boxers Jaismine Lamboria (57kg) and Sachin Siwach (57kg) will compete in their respective quarterfinal bouts, aiming to secure their own Olympic berths. With Panghal's victory, India's boxing contingent for the Paris Olympics continues to grow, showcasing the country's strength in the sport.

Panghal's win not only marks his second Olympic Games appearance but also highlights his ability to overcome adversity and perform under pressure. His path serves as an inspiration for many aspiring athletes in India.

Key Takeaways

• Amit Panghal qualifies for Paris 2024 Olympics in 51kg category.
• Panghal defeats China's Chuang Liu 5-0 in quarterfinals.
• This is Panghal's second Olympic Games appearance.
• India now has 5 boxers qualified for Paris Olympics.
• Panghal's win marks a significant comeback after losing national team spot.