Indian Pugilist Manoj Kumar will take on European champion Pat McCormack of Britain in the semi-final of International Boxing Association's World Olympic Qualifying Tournament at Baku in Azarbaijan today. In another semifinal match, Asian Games champion Vikas Krishan will be up against Turkmenistan's Achilov Arslanbek. Both the boxers secured their place in the Olympic Games yesterday by advancing to the semi-finals of the qualifying tournament. Manoj thrashed Tajikistan's Rakhimov Shavkatdzhon in the 64 kilogram category 3-0 and second seed Vikas got past Korea's Lee Dongyun in 75 kg categoty by a similar margin in the quarter finals. Sumit Sangwan continues to be in the hunt for a Rio berth despite loss in the quarterfinal yesterday as the fifth available spot in his category will go to the lucky quarterfinal loser, whose opponent goes on to win the gold medal.Vikas and Manoj took the total number of Indian boxers assured of Olympic berths to three as Shiva Thapa has already qualified for the Rio Games during the Asian qualifiers in March.
News On AIR | June 24, 2016 7:04 AM
Baku Olympic qualifier: Manoj Kumar to face Britain's Pat McCormack in semi-final