At the SAI Indoor Hall in Shillong, young Jaipal Singh defeated silver medallist Sagar Ahlawat to win the +92kg title in the national boxing championships.
Sagar, who dominated to win 5-0 decisions in the first two rounds, was taken out by Punjab’s Jaipal, who had won bronze in the last competition, with one minute remaining in the final round.
Sagar’s choice to be knocked out has come as a blow because he must take a month off while the nation’s best boxers get ready for the Olympic qualification, which kicks off on February 29. Though he had significant cuts, Lakshya Chahar prevailed in the 80kg bout and hurt his prospects of qualifying for the Olympics. It might take him a few weeks off before he returns. In order to win the 57kg title, Sachin Siwach Junior defeated his villagemate and fellow World youth champion by a convincing 5-0 score.