Amit Panghal returns to Indian squad for final Olympic qualifying event in Bangkok

World Championships silver medallist Amit Panghal has made a comeback to the Indian squad for the final Olympic qualifying event in Bangkok, following a disappointing performance by Indian boxers at the previous qualifiers in Italy. The squad has seen significant changes, with five pugilists losing their spots.

The horrid run in Italy, where not a single boxer secured a quota, led to the removal of High Performance Director Bernard Dunne. Among the notable exclusions from the team are Deepak Bhoria, Mohammad Hussamudin, Shiva Thapa, Lakshya Chahar, and Jaisimine Lamboria.

Panghal, who missed out on previous qualifying events, will have his last chance to secure a spot in the Tokyo Olympics. He will be joined by Strandja gold medallist Sachin Siwach, who replaces Hussamudin in the squad.

In the women’s category, Ankushita Boro has moved to the 60kg weight class after failing to secure a quota in Italy. Reigning national champion Arundhati Choudhary has emerged as the top performer in the 66kg category.

India has secured four Olympic quota places so far, with Nikhat Zareen, Preeti Pawar, Parveen Hooda, and Lovlina Borgohain clinching their spots at the Asian Games. The team will be looking to add more quotas in the upcoming event in Bangkok.

With no male boxers from India having won a quota yet, the pressure will be on Panghal and the rest of the squad to deliver a strong performance and secure their spots in the Tokyo Olympics. The competition in Bangkok will be fierce, but the Indian boxers will be determined to make their mark on the world stage.