Astana: Beijing Olympics bronze medallist Vijender Singh (75kg) qualified for the 2012 London Olympics by advancing into the semi-finals of the middle weight category at the AIBA Asian Olympic Qualifying Event in Astana, Kazakhstan on Sunday.
The former world number one beat 2011 Asian Championship silver medallist Chuluuntumur Tumurkhyag of Mongolia in the quarter-finals to win the all important Olympic quota. The victory also assures him of at least a bronze medal finish from the qualification tournament. The 26 year old – two time Olympian, became the fifth Indian boxer to have secured a berth for the London Games, after Vikas Krishnan (69kg), Manoj Kumar (64kg), Jai Bhagwan (60kg) and rookie Devendro Singh (49kg). The first four quota places coming in the first qualification competition last October – The AIBA World Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Vijender, who defeated Ishak Waez of Syria in the opening round, continued his winning spree at the qualification tournament as he beat the Mongolian pugilist in what was a display of superlative boxing. The Indian started off slow and was down a two point deficit after the opening three minutes of play (4:6). But with the beginning of the second round, the 2009 World Championship bronze medal winner came back strongly, taking Chuluuntumur by complete surprise.
Making good use of his long reach and hard hitting straight punches, Vijender quickly turned the tables and gained the advantage with a two point lead (13:11). The final round and Vijender shifted into top gear, launching an all out offensive, to which the Mongolian boxer had no answer. His relentless attack, with uppercuts and straight punches helped him claim victory by a margin of 10 points in the end (27:17). It was an impressive performance by the Commonwealth games bronze medallist, which has now ensured him a ticket to his third Olympics.
After having gotten rid of the 2011 Asian Championship silver medallist in the quarters, Vijender will now take on the bronze medal winner of the same tournament Nursahat Pazziyev of Turkmenistan for a place in the finals on Wednesday (11th Apr 2012).
The evening session play on Sunday (8th Apr 2012) will witness light heavy weight boxer Sumit Sangwan (81kg) go up against reigning Asian Champion Kim Hyeong Kyu.
