June 22, 2016 7:17 AM

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Indian boxers just a step away from qualifying for Rio Olympics

Indian boxers L Devendro Singh, Sumit Sangwan and Manoj Kumar are just a step away from qualifying for Rio Olympics in their respective weight category. At the International Boxing Association's World Qualifying Tournament in Baku, Azerbaijan, Commonwealth Games Silver medallist L Devendro stormed in to the semi-finals in 49 kg division yesterday. In the quarterfinals, he outbox South Africa's Bandla Sibusiso 3-0. Though Devendro is assured of a medal after the quarterfinals win but he will have to make the summit clash to qualify for Rio as only two quota places are up for grabs in the 49 kg division.Meanwhile, Sumit Sangwan in the 64 kg and Manoj Kumar in 81 kg made it to the quarterfinals yesterday. They will be through to the Rio Games if they enter the semifinals after a rest day today as five quota places are available in their weight categories. In the pre quarterfinals, while Sumit stormed past Sandagsuren Erdenebayar of Mongolia 3-0, Manoj got the better of Bulgaria's Ismetov Ayrin Smetov 3-0. Late last night, another Indian pugilist Vikas Krishan in 75 kg advanced to the pre-quarterfinals with a 3-0 win over Japan's Takahashi Makoto. He also has to make it to the semi finals for a Rio Olympic berth.

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