NEW DELHI: Priya Ghanghas (60kg) staged a stunning comeback to beat home favorite Niamh Mitchell, while Preeti Pawar and Jadumani Singh also reached the semi-finals to ensure India of at least three bronze medals at the Commonwealth Games boxing competition on Tuesday. However, Parveen Hooda and Kapil Pokhariya opted out after losing their quarter-finals.Defending Asian Games champion Priya overcame a slow start to beat Scotland’s Niamh Mitchell 4-1 in a thrilling quarter-final. The 20-year-old from Haryana had to fight not only her opponent but also a loud home crowd cheering every Scot’s punch. Priya lost the opening round as four of the five judges gave it to Mitchell. But he made a strong comeback in the second round attacking aggressively and forcing the Scottish boxer onto the back foot. Both boxers were penalized in the second round. Priya was warned for repeatedly lowering her head, while Mitchell lost a point for excessive clinching.Priya continued her attacking approach in the final round, landing the cleanest punches and sealing the contest by split decision. The judges scored the match 28-27, 28-27, 27-28, 28-27 and 29-26 in favor of the Indian.
Preeti dominates to reach the first CWG semi-final
Asian Games bronze medalist Preeti Pawar (54kg) produced a one-sided performance to beat Northern Ireland’s Nicole Clyde 5-0. The Indian boxer had trained with Clyde during India’s training camp in Belfast before the Games, but looked far superior in the ring.Despite the height, Preeti controlled the fight with her speed, movement and accurate punching. She repeatedly broke Clyde’s defense with strong combinations and comfortably won every round.The win guarantees Preeti the first Commonwealth Games medal of her career. She will face Zambia’s Catherine Mwape in the semi-finals.
Jadumani keeps India’s medal hopes alive
Jadumani Singh (55kg) also secured at least one bronze medal after beating Zambia’s Mwengo Mwale by unanimous decision.The Manipuri boxer dominated the contest from start to finish with smart movement, accurate punching and clean combination. He controlled the pace throughout and earned a comfortable 5-0 win to move into the semi-finals.
Parveen and Kapil break down
India suffered two defeats in the quarter-finals.Parveen Hooda (65kg) lost a narrow 2-3 decision to England’s Sacha Hickey, while Kapil Pokhariya (90kg) was beaten by Scotland’s Robert McNulty, ending their Commonwealth Games campaigns.