Pugilists Akhil, Jitender win opening round bouts

Doha, Dec 2 (UNI) Commonwealth gold medal winner Akhil Kumar and Jitender Kumar gave India a rousing start as they won their opening bouts with ease in the boxing competition of the 15th Asian Games here today.

Akhil plundered Ibrahim al Gharaghir of Jordon in the 54kg category bantamweight and the 35-year-old Bhiwani-born boxer began confidently from the time he took the ring.

He won the fight 36-16 after warding off some early resistance from his Jordanian rival.

On the other hand, Commonwealth bronze medallist Jitender Kumar punched out Ju Hyok Kwak of North Korea 22-7 in a relaxed paced bout in the 51 kg category.

Akhil began in a whirlwind manner, notching up an 11-4 lead in the very first round. But the Jordanian, who was taken aback by the Indian's over-aggressive approach, tried to fight back in the next and kept the margin down but still Akhil won it 11-6.

In the third round, Akhil took chances with his guard down and egged Ibrahim to attack him and the Indian won the round 7-4.

Into the final round, the desperate Jordanian went all out looking for the big punch as he was already 11-29 down. But Akhil, despite keeping an open stance, ensured there was no needless danger, quite obviously an instruction from his coaches in the corner and he finished the round with a convincing 7-2 win.

In the 51kg bout, Jitender Kumar was far superior to Kwak in all sphere. The Indian was much faster and agile in the ring and he virtually made his rival dance to his tune.

Jitender did not waste his energy as he judiciously used his punches with telling effect. The North Korean had no answer to the jabs the Indians unleashed. He tried to duck and avoid contact but did not succeed much.

The Indian emerged very comprehensive winner in this one-sided bout with score reading 22-7 in his favour.

Jitender started with a bang and cornered the North Korean, pasting him all over to take 8-3 lead. It was 7-2 in his favour in the second round and by the time third round started, Kwak virtually threw in the towel and the Indian ended this round 5-1.

Jitender relaxed in the last round and still won it 2-1 to make it a grand total of 22-7 to move into the second round.

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