Astana, Kazakhstan (June 28, 2023) - Indian boxer Sumit secured a resounding victory to confirm the bronze medal in the 86kg category on the second day of the Elorda Cup in Astana, Kazakhstan on Wednesday.
Sumit, who is a former Asian Games bronze medalist, defeated Uzbekistan's Abdumalik Khalikov by a unanimous decision (5-0) in the quarterfinals. The Indian boxer dominated the bout from start to finish, using his superior reach and power to keep Khalikov at bay.
With this victory, Sumit has assured himself of a bronze medal at the Elorda Cup. He will next face the winner of the bout between Kazakhstan's Aidos Yerzhanov and Uzbekistan's Dilshodbek Ruzmetov in the semifinals.
The Elorda Cup is an international boxing tournament organized by the Kazakhstan Boxing Federation. The tournament is being held in Astana from June 27 to July 3. A total of 250 boxers from 35 countries are participating in the tournament.
Sumit is one of four Indian boxers competing at the Elorda Cup. The other Indian boxers are:
- Zoram Muana (51kg)
- Monika (57kg)
- Pooja Rani (75kg)
The Indian boxers have had a mixed bag of results so far at the tournament. Sumit and Zoram Muana have both advanced to the semifinals, while Monika lost her quarterfinal bout. Pooja Rani will compete in her quarterfinal bout on Thursday.
The Indian boxers will be hoping to finish on a high at the Elorda Cup and add to the country's medal tally. India finished with 14 medals, including two gold medals, at the inaugural edition of the tournament in 2021.
