-India Today
India’s Preeti Pawar, on Tuesday, October 3, won the bronze medal in the women’s 54kg category in boxing in the Asian Games 2023 in Hangzhou. She lost to China’s Yuan Chang 0-5 on points in the semi-final at the Hangzhou Gymnasium.
Chang won the first round after a 4-1 split decision. The Chinese boxer landed a punch on Preeti’s face and started in a dominating manner. However, Preeti made a strong comeback by winning the second round. She landed a few soft punches before going defensive.
In the deciding round, Preeti looked aggressive and also managed an upper cut. But her Chinese opponent held her nerve to come up trumps. Preeti became the second boxer to win the bronze medal after Nikhat Zareen. It’s pertinent to note that Chang is the reigning Asian Games gold medallist.
Born on October 23, 2003, Preeti has shown an innate passion for boxing from a young age. Preeti’s journey into boxing was not a planned one; it was her father and uncle who motivated her to take up the sport. Initially, she was hesitant, but as she started training and competing, her interest in boxing grew.
Preeti’s boxing career has been marked by significant victories and rapid progress. She won silver and gold medals at the Khelo India Youth Games in 2020 and 2021 respectively, and a silver medal at the Youth Asian Championships in 2021. Her transition to the senior level began with a bang, earning her a bronze medal at the 2022 Asian Championships in her first event at that level.
Preeti’s achievements also include reaching the pre-quarterfinals of the World Championships. She handed a stunning defeat to 2022 silver medallist and World No 2 Perijoc Lacramioara in the second round after a bout review. Despite her loss to Thailand’s Jutamas Jitpong in the Round of 16, Preeti made the boxing world sit up and take notice
Featured Image: ETV Bharat