Nishant Dev was nowhere in the national scene when India’s five famed male boxers drew a blank from the Tokyo Olympics, leading to widespread criticism, and eventually forcing a change in guard.
Siwach defeated France's Samuel Kistohurry 4-1 in the 57kg quarterfinals while 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medallist Panghal packed off Inkyu Kim of South Korea 5:0 to reach the Round of 8 in the 51kg weight category and kept their qualifying hopes alive.
They will be accompanied by another Strandja gold medallist and national champion Sachin (57kg), 2022 Asian Games bronze medallist Narender Berwal (+92kg) and national champion Sanjeet Kumar (92kg).
Dev is now just a win away from confirming his place at the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympic Games with the ongoing qualifying tournament offering quotas for all four semi-finalists in the men's event.
The 2023 World Championships bronze medalist Nishant entered the match confidently, especially coming after a convincing win in the last bout, and looked even more lethal as he dominated the opponent throughout the bout.
Looking to maintain his stellar form, Deepak will be giving it his all to reach the final where he will either face the Rio Olympics gold medallist Hasanboy Dusmatov or the reigning European champion Martin Molina of Spain.
Nishant will now face Lee Sangmin of South Korea in the next round.
Squaring off against Wang in the 71kg bout, the Indian showcased his swift movement while dodging his opponent’s attacks.
