Amit Panghal and Jaismine Lamboria Secure Olympic 2024 Berths in Bangkok

Amit Panghal and Jaismine Lamboria Clinch Olympics 2024 Spots in Bangkok!

In a thrilling display of skill and determination, world championships silver medallist Amit Panghal and national champion Jaismine Lamboria punched their tickets to the Paris Olympics with contrasting victories at the 2nd World Qualification Tournament in Bangkok. This achievement adds to India’s growing list of qualified athletes for the upcoming Games.

Amit Panghal’s Triumphant Return

Amit Panghal, a decorated boxer with multiple Asian Championship medals, marked his comeback to the Indian team by securing the fifth Olympic quota in boxing. Facing China’s Chuang Liu in the quarterfinals, Panghal demonstrated his tenacity and tactical acumen, earning a hard-fought 5-0 victory. This win ensures his participation in a second consecutive Olympic Games, a remarkable feat for the 2018 Asian Games champion.

Panghal’s journey to this point has been anything but easy. Following his loss of a place in the national team due to the Boxing Federation of India’s evaluation system, which favored world championship bronze medallist Deepak Bhoria, Panghal was left with a singular opportunity to qualify for Paris. His performance in Bangkok underscored his resilience and skill, proving he remains a formidable force in the ring.

The bout against Liu started cautiously, with both boxers feeling each other out. Liu, leveraging his height advantage, initially kept Panghal at bay, leading 4-1 after the first round. However, Panghal adjusted his strategy in the second round, going on the offensive and landing decisive blows that swayed all five judges in his favor. The final round saw an intense exchange of punches, but Panghal’s superior stamina and technique secured his victory.

Jaismine Lamboria’s Dominant Display

In a similarly impressive fashion, Jaismine Lamboria, who recently transitioned from the 60kg to the 57kg category, reclaimed an Olympic berth for India. Her performance against Marine Camara of Mali in the quarterfinals was nothing short of dominant. Jaismine outclassed Camara, securing her place in the Paris Olympics and continuing India’s strong presence in women’s boxing.

Jaismine’s journey to this point is particularly noteworthy. Her switch to the 57kg category came after Parveen Hooda, the previous holder of the quota, was suspended for whereabouts failure. Jaismine seized the opportunity, showcasing her adaptability and prowess in the ring. Her decisive victory in the quarterfinals demonstrated her readiness to compete at the highest level.

India’s Growing Contingent

With Panghal and Jaismine’s qualifications, India’s boxing contingent for the Paris Olympics continues to grow. They join an impressive lineup that includes Nishant Dev (71kg), Nikhat Zareen (50kg), Preeti Pawar (54kg), and Lovlina Borgohain (75kg). This diverse and talented group of athletes underscores India’s strong potential in the upcoming Games.

Looking Ahead to Olympics 2024

Amit Panghal’s victory is particularly significant considering his limited competition since the Tokyo Olympics. Apart from his gold medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, Panghal’s major appearance was at the Strandja Memorial tournament earlier this year, where he also emerged victorious. His ability to deliver under pressure in Bangkok speaks volumes about his preparedness and determination.

For Jaismine Lamboria, the road to Paris is a testament to her skill and adaptability. Moving down to a new weight category and still managing to secure an Olympic spot highlights her versatility and readiness to take on the world’s best.

As the tournament in Bangkok continues, India’s hopes are further bolstered by the upcoming bout of Sachin Siwach, who will compete in the 57kg box-off for an Olympic quota. A win here would further strengthen India’s boxing squad and enhance the country’s medal prospects in Paris.

Conclusion

Amit Panghal and Jaismine Lamboria’s successful qualifications for the Paris Olympics mark a significant achievement for Indian boxing. Their victories reflect not only their personal dedication and skill but also the strength and potential of India’s boxing program. As they prepare for the grand stage of the Olympics, the nation watches with hope and pride, anticipating more moments of glory in Paris.