World Boxing Championship 2021: Akash Kumar becomes 7th Indian to win medal
Synopsis
The World Boxing Championship 2021 is currently being held in Belgrade. Meanwhile, India has confirmed its first medal of the event this term, as Akash Kumar has sealed his bronze medal.
In a historic moment for Indian boxing, India has confirmed its first medal in the 2021 World Boxing Championship held in Belgrade. On Tuesday, in the 54kg category, Akash Kumar won the quarterfinal bout against Venezuela's Yoel Finol Rivas, who happens to be an Olympic silver medalist. It was a superb 5-0 performance from the Indian.
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Akash was magnificent with his punching abilities and his showmanship. He scored during counter-attacks and non-existent guard while taunting his opponent as he fought the bout fearlessly, while his pace was immense too, along with his footwork. Consequently, he prevailed with a splendid effort, while he became the seventh Indian male to win a medal in the event to date.
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He has also assured himself of prize money of $25,000. The other six Indians to have won a medal at the event are Vijender Singh - Bronze (Milan, 2009), Vikas Krishan - Bronze (Baku, 2011), Shiva Thapa - Bronze (Doha, 2015), Gaurav Bidhuri - Bronze (Hamburg, 2017) and Amit Panghal - Silver (Yekaterinburg, 2019) and Manish Kaushik - Bronze (Yekaterinburg, 2019).
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Akash will now be up against Kazakhstan's Makhmud Sabyrkhan, who happens to be a three-time gold-medallist from Asia at the youth level. Also, Shiva Thapa (63.5 kg) would be up against Kerem Oezmen of Turkey in the quarters, as he would be eyeing his second medal at the event, having previously won in 2015.
On the other hand, Narender Berwal (92 kg) would face off against Mahammad Abdullayev of Azerbaijan, while Nishant Dev (71 kg) squares off against Vadim Musaev of Russia. Sanjeet (92 kg), who happens to be the reigning Asian champion, would face Aziz Abbes Mouhiidine of Italy, as all actions would be in the quarterfinal round.
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