Amman, Jordan: The Indian contingent made a strong beginning on the opening day of the ASBC Asian Confederation Boxing Championships in Amman, Jordon on Monday. 2010 Commonwealth Games gold medallist Manoj Kumar (64kg) registered a resounding victory in the first round of the light welter weight division to advance into the next round of the championship.
Up against AIBA Asian Olympic Qualifiers participant Ibrahim Saleh from Jordon, Manoj surprised the short but strong local lad with his aggressive intent and pace in the first round. Making full use of his height he dominated the proceedings though out the bout, never allowing Saleh to play his natural game. By the end of the final round Manoj, a silver medallist at the recently concluded Limassol Boxing Cup in Cyprus, had the clear advantage with fatigue setting in the Jordanian boxer. Kumar advanced into the round of 16 with victory by virtue of a unanimous decision. He now takes on Lac Mohamed Dilshan of Sri Lanka on Wednesday.
Thursday will see two more Indian boxers take to the rings. Silver medallist at the 2012 Senior Nationals Jagroop Singh (81kg) makes his debut at the Asian Championships against Uzbekistan’s Boburbek Yuldashev who, competed in the last edition of the Asian Championships in Incheon. He also secured his career highlight with a valuable silver medal at the Great Silk Way Tournament in Baku this March. Reigning national champion in the light weight division Vikas Malik (60kg) will lock horns with Nooristani Khaibar from Afghanistan.