Six Sri Lankan women pugilists were featured in today’s semifinal bouts of the ASBC Asian U22 and Youth Championships. Although all of them fell short of reaching the finals, each had already secured a bronze medal prior to their matches.
In the opening bout, New Zealand’s Roman Viney faced Kyrgyzstan’s Azim Choybekov in the cruiserweight (86kg) category. Choybekov advanced to the finals and will face Kazakhstan’s Ibragim Betayev, who won a points decision over Afghanistan’s Mohammad Mobaser Qatee.
- A tough day for Sri Lankan youth boxers
- Usaith was victorious and secured a medal for Sri Lanka
- Sri Lankan boxers punch through to Semi Final
Kazakhstan’s heavyweight (92kg) boxer, Azatbek Zholdaskhan, earned the quickest win of the tournament by knocking down Pakistan’s Abdullah Mujahid within the first minute of their bout. Zholdaskhan will meet Afghanistan’s Mujtaba Sharifi in the title-deciding match.
In the super heavyweight (+92kg) semifinals, Kyrgyzstan’s Myrzakir Koshaliyev delivered powerful punches to defeat Uzbekistan’s Aman Makhanov. In the second semifinal, Kazakhstan’s Yersultan Sapar comprehensively beat Vietnam’s Doan Ngoc Minh Hieu.
In the women’s U22 minimum weight (48kg) category, Vietnam’s ASBC Asian Elite Championships silver medalist Ngo Ngoc Linh Chi was scheduled to fight Kazakhstan’s Akbota Bolat. However, Linh Chi withdrew due to injury, allowing Bolat to advance to the final.
In the other semifinal, Sri Lankan Army SC pugilist Nethmi Nishadhi Perera faced India’s Mahi Siwach. Nethmi was energetic and delivered more punches than her opponent, but her accuracy was lacking. Siwach came into her stride later in the match, and the referee awarded a technical knockout in favor of the Indian. Nethmi, who was ready to continue, was surprised by the decision.
In the women’s 52kg category, Kazakhstan’s Gulnar Turapbay faced Mongolia’s Ankhtsetseg Urangoo, with Turapbay claiming an effortless victory.
Vietnam’s Nguyen Thi Ngoc Tran, a silver medalist in the last ASBC Asian Elite Championships, fought Sri Lanka’s Sachini Fernando. Though Sachini showed heart and tried hard to land punches, the Vietnamese used her longer reach and accurate strikes to secure a win in this crucial match.
Tajikistan’s Fariza Yokubova was eliminated by Vietnam’s Song Thi Kim Ngan in the women’s flyweight (52kg) category after a comprehensive performance by the Vietnamese.
In the next semifinal, Sri Lanka’s Yasini Fernando battled against Vietnam’s Ngo Thi Mai Chuc. Though Chuc had better technique and landed more effective blows, Yasini fought courageously for the full duration, earning cheers from the home crowd.
Saudi Arabia’s Al-Alshaikh Leen Tariq faced Kazakhstan’s Youth World Champion Elina Bazarova. After receiving a series of heavy jabs, the referee awarded a technical knockout in favor of Bazarova.
In the bantamweight (54kg) semifinal, Sri Lanka’s Nikeshala Sandipanee faced Vietnam’s Thi Mai Chuc Ngo. The Vietnamese pugilist landed a powerful jab that led to a technical knockout within the first two minutes.
Kazakhstan’s ASBC Asian Youth Champion Viktoriya Baidukova then met Vietnam’s Nguyen Huyen Tran in the featherweight (57kg) category, where the Kazakh fighter secured a solid victory.
Next, Sri Lanka’s Kerththana Uthayakumar faced strong Kazakh boxer Anar Tursynbek. After two counts in the first round, the referee awarded a technical knockout as the Kazakh was clearly too strong for Kerththana.
In another lightweight (60kg) semifinal, Tajikistan’s Khangoma Isoyeva narrowly defeated Nepal’s Narika Rai to reach the final.
Later, Kazakhstan’s youth boxer Aruzhan Zhangabayeva defeated Tajikistan’s Dilnoza Nurimova after three referee counts to advance to another final.
In the first semifinal of the light middleweight (70kg) category, local fighter Dewmi Sanjana faced India’s Himanshi Himanshi. The Indian boxer proved too dominant, as the referee stopped the match after two counts in the first round, awarding a technical knockout.
In the second semifinal, Kazakhstan’s Bakyt Seidish defeated India’s Devmi Sanjana with a series of heavy, accurate jabs. Despite the loss, the Indian fighter lasted three rounds, showing remarkable courage.
Two-time ASBC Asian Youth Champion Shugyla Nalibay (75kg) faced India’s Khushi Khushi, and the bout lasted only 75 seconds. After two referee counts, the Kazakh was awarded victory.
In the heavyweight category, Kazakhstan’s Zhibek Zharaskyzy comfortably beat India’s Nhidhi Nhidi, marking three consecutive victories for Kazakh boxers over Indian opponents.
In the final bout of the day, India’s Payal Jakhar secured a comprehensive victory over Nepal’s Trisha Jabegu.
