Amit Panghal Rejoins Indian Squad for Boxing Olympic Qualifiers in Bangkok

In a significant reshuffle of the Indian boxing squad, World Championships silver medallist Amit Panghal has made a comeback for the final Olympic qualifiers in Bangkok, slated from May 25 to June 2. This announcement comes after a disappointing performance by Indian boxers at the previous Olympic qualifying event, where none managed to secure quota places. The Boxing Federation of India (BFI) has introduced six new changes to the team in a bid to enhance their chances at the upcoming qualifiers.

The recent evaluation, led by foreign coaches Dmitry Dmitruk, C.A. Kuttappa, and Dharmendra Yadav, saw 2023 World Championships bronze medallists Deepak Bhoria (51kg) and Mohammad Hussamudin (57kg), along with seasoned boxer Shiva Thapa (63.5kg) and reigning national champion Lakshya Chahar (80kg), being excluded from the team. Panghal, who clinched gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and the 2024 Strandja Memorial, had previously been outperformed by Bhoria in assessments, missing out on the Asian Games and the first World Olympic Qualifiers.

In the women's category, there have been notable shifts as well. Ankushita Boro has moved to the 60kg category after defeating Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Jaismine Lamboria. Arundhati Choudhary has emerged as the top contender in the 66kg weight class, showcasing the depth of talent within Indian women's boxing.

India has already secured four 2024 Olympic quota places with stellar performances from Nikhat Zareen (50kg), Preeti Pawar (54kg), Parveen Hooda (57kg), and Lovlina Borgohain (75kg) at last year's Asian Games. This achievement marks a significant step forward from the nine boxers who competed in the Tokyo Olympics, highlighting India's growing prowess in boxing on the global stage.

The final squad selected for the Olympic qualifiers in Bangkok includes a mix of experienced campaigners and promising talents across various weight categories. Here is a look at the team composition:

The selection reflects BFI's strategic approach to bolster India's representation and success at the Paris Olympics. With a blend of experience and fresh talent, India aims to significantly improve its boxing credentials on the international stage.

The return of Amit Panghal to the squad is particularly noteworthy, given his previous successes and potential to contribute significantly to India's medal hopes in Paris. As these athletes prepare for their crucial bouts in Bangkok, they carry not just their personal ambitions but also the aspirations of an entire nation looking forward to Olympic glory.