Shiva and Jaismine to Lead Indian Contingent in Paris Olympic Games 2024 Qualification

In a significant move towards the Paris Olympic Games 2024 qualification, the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) has unveiled a robust nine-member squad. Spearheaded by six-time Asian Championships medallist Shiva Thapa and 2022 Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Jaismine, the team is set to participate in the first World Qualification Tournament scheduled in Busto Arsizio, Italy from February 29 to March 12.

The carefully selected squad includes youth world champion Ankushita Boro (66kg), reigning National champions Lakshya Chahar (80kg) and Sanjeet Kumar (92kg), along with 2022 Asian Games bronze medallist Narender Berwal (+92kg). Additionally, 2023 World Championship bronze medallists Mohammed Hussamuddin (57kg), Deepak Bhoria (51kg), and Nishant Dev (71kg) complete the lineup. Each boxer will vie for Paris 2024 quotas in their respective weight categories.

The selection process, conducted by the high-performance unit, assessed the athletes based on various performance parameters. The BFI emphasized its commitment to maximizing India’s participation at the Paris Olympic Games and expressed confidence in the selected boxers’ ability to secure coveted spots at the prestigious event.

The first World Qualification Tournament offers 50 Olympic quotas, including 22 in the women’s section. A subsequent tournament in Bangkok from May 23 to June 3 will allocate between 45 and 51 additional quotas. Countries yet to qualify an athlete for a specific weight category have the opportunity to enter one athlete per weight category in the second World Qualification Tournament.

India has already secured four quotas for Paris 2024, with Nikhat Zareen (50kg), Preeti (54kg), Parveen Hooda (57kg), and Lovlina Borgohain (75kg) securing their berths through impressive performances at the Asian Games.

–IANS