Hangzhou (CHN) is all set to host the third leg of the boxing qualification pathway to Paris 2024. As part of the 19th Asian Games, the boxing tournament will determine which boxers from the Asian continent will qualify to compete in the upcoming Olympic Games.
A total of 237 athletes from 38 countries will showcase their skills at the Hangzhou Gymnasium, a magnificent arena known for hosting indoor sporting events such as basketball and volleyball. From September 24th to October 5th, the venue will be the stage for the boxing tournament, featuring athletes competing in 13 weight categories, each vying for one of the 34 Olympic quota places available at the Asian Games (20 for women and 14 for men).
Several outstanding boxers are ready to make their mark on the tournament. Let’s take a closer look at some of the athletes to watch:
India’s 13-member team will be led by two-time Olympian Shiva THAPA and world champions Nikhat ZAREEN and Lovlina BORGOHAIN. THAPA became the first male boxer to win six Asian Championships medals when he secured silver in 2022. Competing in the 50kg category, Nikhat ZAREEN, with her exceptional skills, won the gold medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Tokyo 2020 Olympic bronze medalist Lovlina BORGOHAIN will make her Asian Games debut in the women’s middleweight category (75kg).
Additionally, Tokyo silver medalists Carlo PAALAM and Nesthy PETECIO of the Philippines will compete in the men’s 51kg and women’s 57kg weight categories, respectively. They are considered favorites in their divisions, along with bronze medalist Eumir MARCIAL (men’s 75kg).
Thi Tam NGUYEN (VIE), an Olympian and the 2017 and 2022 Asian champion, will lead the Vietnam team, which brings its largest-ever boxing delegation to Hangzhou, with nine competitors. He will be among the favorites in the light flyweight category.
Leading Kazakhstan is Kamshybek KUNKABAYEV, who won a bronze medal in the men’s +91kg category at the Tokyo Olympics. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan is preparing to showcase two Olympic gold medalists, Bakhodir JALOLOV in the men’s +91kg category, and Hasanboy DUSMATOV in the men’s 49 kg category. The latter, a Rio 2016 champion and three-time Asian Championships gold medallist, will be seeking his first Asian Games light flyweight gold.
Stay updated on the boxing tournament at the Asian Games by visiting https://boxing.athlete365.org/.
Find additional information on the event on the 19th Asian Games official website.
