Vikas Krishnan Inches Closer To Another Olympic Dream

Asian Games gold medal winner Vikas Krishan, Asian silver medalists Ashish Kumar, Sachin Kumar and veteran Satish Kumar, Naman Tanwar and Gaurav Solanki made it to the Indian men’s boxing squad for the Olympic qualifiers to be held in China from February 3-14 after all the men pugilists won their respective final bout in the trials in Karnataka.

Vikas, who won a gold medal in 2018 commonwealth games in Australia, out punched national medalist Duryodhan Singh Negi in the 69 kg bout in a unanimous decision to book his berth for the Olympic qualifiers in Wuhan, China. Vikas, who made remarkable comeback to the amateur circuit after trying his hand in professional boxing, had earlier defeated Ashish Kulheria on the opening day of the trials in Karnataka to enter the final.

In the 57 Kg category, Commonwealth Games gold medalist Gaurav Solanki overcame Mohammed Hussamuddin in split decision to qualify for the mega event qualifiers. Solanki had advanced into the final by defeating Kavindra Singh Bisht.

Another, commonwealth games medalist Naman Tanwar edged past Naveen Kumar in the 91kg event to get ticket for the Olympic Qualifiers.

Earlier on Sunday, the first day of the trials, Ashish Kumar, Sachin Kumar and Satish had booked a spot in the Olympic qualifiers to be held in China.

Ashish defeated defending national champion and a gold medal winner in the recent South Asian Games Ankit Khatana in a unanimous decision in the n the 75kg weight category. Satish Kumar, who competes in the +91kg weigh category, pinned Narender in a split verdict.

Sachin grabbed a spot in the 81kg weight category after beating Brijesh Yadav. The 81 kg weigh category was also to see participation from Sumit Sangwan, however, his suspension due to flunking a dope test assured Sachin a direct flight to China.

Earlier, Amit Panghal (52 kg) and Manish Kaushik (63 kg) have already secured a place in the team by winning medals at the World Championships in September.