Last Shot at London Olympics Berth for Indian Boxers

The Asian Olympics qualifiers at Astana (Kazakhstan) are the last chance for Indian boxers to book Olympics berths. The event is spanned from April 4–April 13, 2012. Already four Indian boxers — L. Devendro Singh (49kg), Jai Bhagwan (60kg), Manoj Kumar (64kg) and Vikas Krishan (69kg) — have qualified for the Olympics.

However, the star Indian boxer Vijender Singh who brought glory to nation by winning a bronze medal in Beijing Olympics is yet to qualify. The focus will be on World and Olympic bronze medalist as six Indian boxers seek to qualify for the London Games.

Another Champion – Commonwealth Games Gold medalist M. Suranjoy Singh (52kg) will also look to qualify for London Games in Flyweight class. There are four quota places each available in 52kg and 75kg. Thus, in order to qualify both Suranjoy and Vijender would need to make it to semifinals at least.

Among others, Shiva Thapa (56kg) and Sumit Sangwan (81kg) will make it to Olympics if they finish in top three as three slots each are on offer in 56kg and 81kg category. However, Asian Games silver medalist Manpreet Singh (91kg) and Commonwealth Games gold medalist Paramjeet Samota (+91kg) have to box out of their skins to ensure their tickets to the Olympics as only one slot is available in their weight categories.

The team: M. Suranjoy Singh (52kg), Shiva Thapa (56kg), Vijender Singh (75kg), Sumit Sangwan (81kg), Manpreet Singh (91kg), Paramjeet Samota (+91kg).