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Journalism of Courage
TAIJON CITY (S KOREA), JANUARY 24: India’s lightflyweight S Suresh Singh and middle weight Jitender Kumar ensured their participation in the Sydney Olympic Games later this year.
As one more qualifying tournament will be held in Bangkok in April, atleast three more Indians — Sanjit Kumar and Ramanand, who narrowly lost here and the unfit Bangkok Asian Games gold mediallist Dingko Singh — have an opportunity to make the grade.
Manipuri lad Suresh opened the Indian account in the day’s first bout, challenging Kazakhstan boxer Aman Batyrba in the 48 kg class. The Kazak had better reach but Suresh was faster with lots of stamina and flash punches.
The first round was a draw with both boxers awarded two points each and so was the second, with the two getting five points each. The third round also ended with each boxer scoring seven points despite Suresh landing a few scoring blows.
Came the fourth and decisive round, the Indian, backed by superior stamina, geared himself and made lightening attacks on the Kazakh citadel. The Kazakh opened his guard for counter-attacks and Suresh appropriately landed his power packed right cross and left hooks to snatch the bout 11-7.
The other Indian bout in the middle-weight category was slated as the last bout of the evening. Jitender, the Commonwealth silver medallist, met his challenge in Mongolian Batbujan.
The Mongolian, packed with hope and power, demolished the Indian in the ring but what he lacked was experience. (PTI)
