Deepak ends 72nd Strandja Memorial Cup with silver medal

The 23-year-old performed brilliantly in the tournament.

Asian Games silver medallist Deepak Kumar (52kg) had to be content with a silver medal after losing the final face-off in a split decision against two-times European Champion and Bulgaria’s Daniel Asenov in the men's flyweight final bout at the 72nd Strandja Memorial Tournament in Sofia, Bulgaria on Saturday.

Deepak, who has been in terrific form as evidenced by his scintillating 4-1 victory against the reigning Olympic champion and World Champion Shakhobidin Zoirov from Uzbekistan in the semis on Friday, fell short in the final against the determined local boy Daniel Asenov, who won the bout 3-2.

The Indian boxer started with a cautious approach and was exposed to some solid punches from his opponent in the first round. He looked to improve and up his attack and gave his all in the second round with some decisive punches landing on the opponent’s face. While Deepak showed controlled aggression, despite that Asenov held his ground.

An assertive and steady Deepak though put his all in the final round but the 2019 European Games silver medallist Daniel Asenov landed some clear punches in the dying minutes to win the bout 3-2 in a really close encounter.

After the bout, he said, "It is disappointing that I could not win the gold but these last few days have been nothing short of a dream come true. I was determined to make a mark in this tournament especially when I got an opportunity to play against a Champion opponent like Shakhobidin Zoirov in the semis."

"I am very happy that I could come out a winner. Though a lot of work still needs to be done and I will be focusing on it along with my coaches as I go return to India."

This silver medal is also his maiden medal from this prestigious and Europe’s oldest tournament. He lost here in the first round last year. Naveen Boora (69kg) was the other Indian to win a medal in the tournament as he ended his campaign with a Bronze medal in his first International outing for India.

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