Kalaivani excelled in the women’s 48kg semifinals against Uzbekistan’s Farzona Fozilova. The Chennai-born boxer’s strong shots and relentless attacks gave her opponent no chance to calm down as she finally won comfortably by consensus.
On the fourth day of the tournament, Kuldeep gave India a winning start but had to work hard to win. In the men’s 48kg semifinals, Kuldeep faced a tough challenge from local boy Kairat Yernur. However, cautious approach and accurate attack helped them to a close 3-2 victory.
Meanwhile, in the men’s division, second boxer Yashpal lost 0-5 to Kazakhstan’s Aslanbek Shimbergenov in the semifinals of the 71kg weight class.
In the women’s event, Babita Bisht (81kg), Jyoti (52kg) and Neema (63kg) lost in the semi-finals to clinch the bronze medal. Babita lost to China’s Zheng Lu by a ‘Ref Stopping the Contest’ decision, while Jyoti and Neema conceded a 0-5 draw against Uzbekistan’s Feruzah Kazakova and Kazakhstan’s Anar Tursinbek.
Savita’s challenge also ended in the semifinals as she lost 0-5 in the 50kg category to Tokyo Olympic bronze medalist Namiki Tsukimi of Japan.
Later tonight, 2021 young world champions Geetika (48kg) and Alfia Pathan (+81kg), and Lalita (70kg) will advance to the semifinals, while Rajini (50kg) will play in the semifinals.
The inaugural edition of the Elorda Cup features top boxing nations from India, Uzbekistan, host Kazakhstan, Cuba, China and Mongolia.
The finals will be played on Monday.
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