Nikhat Zareen, Deepak Bhoria spearhead boxing squad for Asian Games, Amit Panghal not picked

Published at :July 1, 2023 at 11:35 PM

Modified at :January 25, 2024 at 3:44 AM

World champion Nitu Ghanghas also missed out.

Defending world champions Nikhat Zareen and Lovlina Borgohain spearhead the Indian boxing squad for the upcoming Asian Games in Hangzhou on Saturday. In the men’s category, world championships Bronze Medalist Deepak Bhoria (51 KG) will replace 2018 Asian Games Champion Amit Panghal. As a result, Panghal, who also won gold in last year’s Commonwealth Games, will not be able to defend his gold medal in the 2022 Asian Games.

Youngster Nishant Dev (71 KG) who impressed in the 2023 Worlds by winning the Bronze Medal, and Veteran Shiva Thapa (63.5 KG) are also part of the squad as are 2021 Asian Champion Sanjeet (92 KG) along with youngster Lakshya Chahar (80 KG) and Narender Berwal (92+ KG).

Two-time world champion Nikhat Zareen (51 KG) and Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist Lovlina Borgohain (75 KG) already qualified for the Asian Games after winning the 2023 World Championships.

Nitu Ganghas who shifted her category from 48 KG to 54 KG lost to Preeti Pawar in the trials and hence didn’t make the cut.

Some other familiar names who will join them in the squad are 2022 Commonwealth Games bronze medalist Jaismine Lamboria (60 KG), 2022 Worlds bronze medalist Parveen Hooda (57 KG), Arundhati Chaudhary (66 KG) and Preeti Pawar (54 KG).

2023 Worlds and 2022 Commonwealth Games bronze medalist Mohammad Hussamuddin (57 KG) will miss the Asian Games due to an injury. He will be replaced by Sachin Siwach, who has moved up from 54 KG to 57 KG.

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India Squad for Asian Games

Men – Deepak Bhoria (51 KG), Sachin Siwach (57 KG), Shiva Thapa (63.5 KG), Nishant Dev (71 KG), Lakshya Chahar (80 KG), Sanjeet (92 KG), Narender Berwal (92+ KG).

Women – Nikhat Zareen (51 KG), Preeti Pawar (54 KG), Parveen Hooda (57 KG), Jaismine Lamboria (60 KG), Arundhati Chaudhary (66 KG), Lovlina Borgohain (75 KG).