Khabarovsk, Russia: National Games gold medallist Th Nanao Singh (49kg) and Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Dilbagh Singh (69kg) continued their march into the finals of the Khabarovsk International Competition in Russia. Indian boxers gave their opponents a run for their money in Khabarovsk International, but only Nanao and Dilbagh were able to cement their place in the finals of the tournament. Both the boxers are now assured of at least a silver medal finish from the tournament.

Nanao the reigning national champion took on Li Chung Hyok of DPR Korea in the penultimate round of the event. The 22 year old once again made an aggressive start and made full use of the canvas. His hard hitting body blows and hooks caught Li off guard and allowed the Indian to stretch the advantage. Nanao went on to make his place in the final round of the tournament with a 17-12 win on points. In the finals he is slated to take on local lad Sagaluev Bator. Multiple national champion Dilbagh Singh defeated his Polish opponent, Uk V in brilliant display of skill and strategy. His lightening fast jabs turned the fight into a one-sided affair. He went on to beat the Polish boxer on points 15-9. In the bid for the god medal he will square off against Kozhabekov Bakytzhan of Kazakhstan.

The other Indian boxer in the fray, Sunil Kumar (52kg), Shiva Thapa (56kg) and Satish Kumar (+91kg) although did not make things easy for their opponents, unfortunately lost out in semi-finals. The three boxers will have to be content with a bronze medal performance.