Lakra becomes first Indian boxer to qualify for Beijing 2008

He now runs into Chinese Yang Li, who defeated Brazilian Davi Souza of Brazil 13-4, in Thursday8217;s last-eight stage bout.

After Lakra8217;s Beijing qualification, an elated Indian coach Gurbaksh Singh Sandhu was all praise for the Services boxer and hoped that two remaining Indians in the fray 8212;

Jitender 51kg and Jai Bhagwan 60kg 8212; would also come through.

8220;This is an amazing achievement. We are all very happy and proud of what he has done. I am very confident about Jitender and Bhagwan as well and hopefully they would also advance to the quarters,8221; Sandhu said.

It was a dominating performance by the Indian, who opened with a two-point lead before extending it to four by the end of the third round.

Lakra garnered four more points against Imranov8217;s two in the final round to romp home comfortably.

Meanwhile, Jitender takes on Russian Georgy Balakshin in the pre-quarterfinals, while Bhagwan would be up against Colombian Darley Perez later on Wednesday.

India had sent an eight-member team for the Championships but five of them 8212; including Asian Games bronze medallist Vijender 75kg 8212; crashed out in the second round.