Preeti Pawar-In a thrilling display of skill and resilience, Indian boxer Preeti Pawar secured a place in the Round of 16 at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The 20-year-old from Haryana, making her Olympic debut, overcame a challenging start to defeat Vietnam’s Vo Thi Kim Anh with a decisive 5-0 victory.
Pawar’s journey to the Olympic stage has been marked by determination and perseverance. Having clinched a bronze medal at the Asian Games last year, she secured India’s quota for the women’s 54kg category. However, her path to Paris was not without its hurdles. A bout of illness just before the Games forced her into hospital, raising concerns about her preparedness.
Despite the setback, Pawar entered the boxing arena with unwavering spirit. Her opening round against Kim Anh was a test of her mettle. The Vietnamese boxer, a seasoned campaigner with six national titles, dictated the pace, leaving Pawar on the back foot. But the Indian fighter displayed remarkable composure and tactical acumen.
Recognizing the need to adjust her strategy, Pawar unleashed a barrage of punches in the second and third rounds. Her precision and power proved too much for Kim Anh, as Pawar gradually took control of the bout. The judges were unanimous in their decision, awarding the victory to the Indian boxer.
Pawar’s triumph is a significant milestone for Indian boxing. It not only showcases her individual talent but also underscores the growing strength of women’s boxing in the country. With a semi-final berth guaranteeing a medal, the nation’s hopes for a podium finish are now pinned on the young Haryana pugilist.
The Paris Olympics has witnessed a strong Indian contingent in boxing, with six athletes vying for glory. Two-time world champion Nikhat Zareen, Tokyo 2020 bronze medalist Lovlina Borgohain, Amit Panghal, Nishant Dev, and Jaismine Lamboria are the other Indian boxers in the fray.
As the tournament progresses, the nation will be eagerly following the fortunes of its boxing heroes. Preeti Pawar’s journey has captured the imagination of the country, and her performance has set a high bar for the rest of the Indian contingent.
With each passing round, the dream of an Olympic medal for India grows closer. And in Preeti Pawar, the nation has a fighter who embodies the spirit of determination, resilience, and unwavering belief.
Preeti Pawar
- Event: Women’s 54kg
- Round of 16: 30th July, Tuesday and 3:50pm onwards
Other Indian Boxers at the Olympics
Six Indian boxers are competing in the Paris 2024 Olympics. Two-time world champion Nikhat Zareen will face Germany’s Maxi Carina Kloetzer in the round of 32. Tokyo 2020 bronze medallist Lovlina Borgohain (women’s 75kg), Amit Panghal (men’s 51kg), Nishant Dev (men’s 71kg), and Jaismine Lamboria (women’s 57kg) will also compete in the upcoming days.
Also read- Preeti Pawar -Boxing Women’s 54kg-Paris 2024 Olympics