New Delhi: Priya Ghanghas (60kg) pulled off a stunning comeback to defeat home favorite Niamh Mitchell, while Preeti Pawar Jadumani Singh also reached the semi-finals, ensuring India bag at least three bronze medals in boxing at the Commonwealth Games on Tuesday. However, Parveen Hooda and Kapil Pokhariya bowed out after losing in the 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 battle not just her opponents but also her hometown fans who cheered Scotland on every punch she threw. Priya lost the first round, with four of the five judges awarding it to Mitchell. But she came back strong in the second round, striking hard and forcing the Scottish fighter to get on her back foot. Both fighters were punished in the second round. Priya was warned for repeatedly ducking her head, while Mitchell was deducted a point for excessive clinging.Priya continued her aggressive approach in the final round, landing cleaner punches and sealing the fight with a split decision. The referee awarded the Indian victory with scores of 28-27, 28-27, 27-28, 28-27 and 29-26.
Preeti advances to CWG semi-finals for the first time
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 pre-Olympic training camp in Belfast but looked far superior in the ring.Despite sacrificing height, Preity controlled the fight with her speed, movement and accurate punches. She repeatedly broke through Clyde’s defense with sharp combinations and easily won every game.The victory gave Preeti her first career Commonwealth Games medal. She will face Zambia’s Catherine Mwape in the semi-finals.
Jadumani keeps India’s medal hopes alive
Jadumani Singh (55kg) defeated Zambia’s Mwengo Mwale via unanimous decision to win at least a bronze medal.The Manipuri boxer dominated the contest from start to finish with smart moves, accurate counters and clean combinations. He controlled the tempo throughout and easily won 5-0, advancing to the semifinals.
Parveen and Kapil fall
India suffered two setbacks in the quarter-finals.Parveen Hooda (65kg) lost 2-3 to England’s Sacha Hickey, while Kapil Pokhariya (90kg) was beaten by Scotland’s Robert McNulty to end their two-game run at the Commonwealth Games.
