In a historic moment for Indian boxing, Nishant Dev has become the first Indian male boxer to secure a quota for the Paris Olympics 2024. This achievement came after a decisive victory in the quarterfinals of the World Olympic Boxing Qualification Tournament 2024 held in Bangkok.
Nishant Dev’s dominance at the tournament
Nishant Dev, a 23-year-old boxer, outclassed his Moldovan opponent, Vasile Cebotari, in the 71kg category. The bout was a battle between two southpaws, and Dev emerged victorious with a 5-0 decision. This win not only secured his place in the Paris Olympics but also marked him as the first Indian male boxer to achieve this feat.
Before this, Dev had narrowly missed out on a quota in the first qualifiers. However, his determination and hard work paid off in the second round of qualifiers. His performance in the ring was commendable, with precise and sharp punches that overwhelmed his opponent.
Nishant Dev qualifies for the men's 71kg boxing at #Paris2024! 👊
Congratulations! 👏#RoadToParis2024 | #OlympicsQualifiers pic.twitter.com/yNTfFLd9gX
— Olympic Khel (@OlympicKhel) May 31, 2024
Dev’s victory has brought the total number of boxing quotas for India at the Paris Games to four. He joins the ranks of women boxers Nikhat Zareen (50kg), Preet Pawar (54kg), and Lovlina Borgohain (75kg), who have already booked their tickets to Paris.
Despite the joy of this achievement, the journey to the Olympics is just beginning for Dev. The upcoming months will be crucial for his preparation for the Games. The experience and exposure gained from the qualifiers will undoubtedly aid him in his training.
Also Read: Nasser Hussain credits IPL for preparing England for the T20 World Cup
