Momentous Victory! India wins Best Team Award in 23rd President's Cup Boxing Tournament

Labuan Bajo, July 29: With seven Gold and two Silver,  India bagged the 'Best Team Award' 23rd President's Cup Boxing Tournament in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia. 

 

Six-time world champion Mary Kom bagged Gold in 51kg category while Simranjit Kaur won in 60kg category. The Olympic bronze medallist Mary decimated Australian April Franks 5-0 in finals. Simranjit Kaur defeated Indonesia's Asian Games bronze medallist Hasanah Huswatun 5-0 in the final bout.

 

The Indian boxers finished their campaign with nine medals, including seven gold and two silver, helping the contingent win the 'Best Team' award. The women boxers had a flawless record in the finals, winning all the four gold medals on offer, the men had mixed fortunes and had to settle for two silver along with three gold.

Assam's young and bright talent Jamuna Boro, in women’s 54kg, did not put a foot wrong in a 5-0 demolition of Italy's veteran boxer Giulia Lamagna to add to the gold she won at the India Open in May. In 48kg, youngster Monika ended the challenge of Endang of Indonesia by a similar scoreline to round off what was a memorable campaign for Indian women pugilists.

 

Neeraj Swami registered a 4-1 win over Macado Jr. Ramel of Phillipines to clinch the gold medal in the men's 49kg category. Ananta Prahlad Chopade also put up a strong performance and defeated Afghanistan's Rahmani Ramish 5-0 in the final of men's 52kg category to finish on the top of podium. Ankush Dahiya too absolutely outpunched his opponent, Macau's Leung Kin Fong 5-0 to lay his hands on the glittering gold in 64kg category.

 

With this, Indian boxers finished their campaign in the Tournament with nine medals. The rich haul comprised seven gold and two silver.