Nine-member Indian boxing squad named for Paris Olympics 2024 qualification tournament in Italy

In a strategic move to secure more spots for Paris Olympics 2024, the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) has announced a formidable nine-member squad for the first World Qualification Tournament. Six-time Asian Championships medallist Shiva Thapa and 2022 Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Jaismine are set to lead the charge.

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The comprehensive selection process, led by the high-performance unit, considered various performance parameters to finalize the team. Hemanta Kumar Kalita, Secretary General of BFI, expressed confidence in the selected boxers, stating, "Our aim is to maximize India's participation at the Paris Olympics 2024."

"We have undertaken a thorough and careful selection process for the first World Qualification Tournament. The high-performance team conducted a detailed evaluation process, gave points to boxers and those securing highest points were selected. We are confident and believe that these boxers possess the mettle to not only compete but triumph and secure coveted spots at the Olympics," Hemanta Kumar added.

India has already secured four quotas for Paris Olympics 2024, with Nikhat Zareen, Preeti, Parveen Hooda, and Lovlina Borgohain earning their berths at the Asian Games. The first World Qualification Tournament in Busto Arsizio, Italy, from February 29 to March 12, offers 50 Olympic quotas, including 22 for women. The second World Qualification Tournament in Bangkok from May 23 to June 3 will fill the remaining spots for countries that haven't qualified through the initial events.

The squad also includes youth world champion Ankushita Boro (66kg), reigning National champions Lakshya Chahar (80kg), Sanjeet Kumar (92kg), 2022 Asian Games bronze medallist Narender Berwal (+92kg) and 2023 World Championship bronze medallists Mohammed Hussamuddin (57kg), Deepak Bhoria (51kg) and Nishant Dev (71kg) to fight for Paris 2024 quotas in their respective categories.

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In the Tokyo Olympics, India sent nine entries, and the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) would like to see at least a matching number of entries this time in Paris Olympics 2024.