Indian boxing contingent granted travel clearance for Asian Boxing Championships in Dubai
The Indian boxing contingent has been granted travel clearances for the upcoming Asian Boxing Championships in Dubai. Several Tokyo-bound athletes, including the likes of Asian games gold medallist Amit Phangal and former Olympic medallist Mary Kom, would be a part of the meet.
As many as nine Indian boxers have qualified for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics so far, which is the biggest ever contingent for the country. However, the preparations in the build-up to the mega-event have hit several roadblocks, owing to the second Covid-19 wave in India. It has seen most of the national camps being suspended, while travel restrictions have barred them from participating in international meets.
The Asian Boxing Championships, to be held in Dubai from May 24 to June 1, was supposed to be the last major event in the build-up to the Tokyo Olympics, but it was not confirmed whether the Indian team would be able to take part in the competition. However, the BFI (Boxing Federation of India), the UAE Government and ASBC (Asian Boxing Confederation) have collectively worked together and the Indian boxing contingent have finally been granted travel clearances for the meet.
“We are thankful to the UAE Government, Indian Ambassador to UAE, Mr. Pavan Kapoor and ASBC President Anas Alotaiba who have helped us in every possible way to secure the team’s travel to Dubai. This is a much-needed competition which is crucial for the final phase of training and preparation for the Olympics,” said Ajay Singh, president of BFI.
The players, coaches and support staff are already inside a bio-bubble and will reach Dubai on May 22. Each of them are supposed to get visas on arrival.
India’s squad for the 2021 Asian Boxing Championships
Men: Vinod Tanwar (49kg), Amit Panghal (52kg), Mohammad Hussamuddin (56kg), Varinder Singh (60kg), Shiva Thapa (64kg), Vikas Krishan (69kg), Ashish Kumar (75kg), Sumit Sangwan (81kg), Sanjeet (91kg) and Narender (+91kg).
Women: Monika (48kg), MC Mary Kom (51kg), Sakshi (54kg), Jasmine (57kg), Simranjeet Kaur (60kg), Lalbuatsaihi (64kg), Lovlina Borgohain (69kg), Pooja Rani (75kg), Saweety (81kg) and Anupama (+81kg)
