Hussamuddin Bows Out of Olympic Qualifiers, Nishant Dev Keeps Hope Alive
India's Hussamuddin Loses to Irish Boxer in First Round
Busto Arsizio, Italy (March 9): Indian boxer Mohammad Hussamuddin's quest for a 2024 Olympic berth hit a roadblock as he suffered a 0-4 defeat to Ireland's Jude Gallagher in the ongoing World Olympic Boxing Qualifiers here on Saturday.
Hussamuddin, a 30-year-old and two-time Commonwealth Games bronze medalist, entered the competition in the men's 57kg category with a bye in the first round. However, he was unable to overcome the challenge of the 22-year-old Irish boxer, Jude Gallagher, the reigning Commonwealth Games champion.
Nishant Dev Remains India's Last Hope
With Hussamuddin's exit, India's hopes now rest entirely on Nishant Dev. Another World Championship bronze medalist, Dev will compete in the men's 71kg category later on Sunday night. He will be vying for a spot in the round of 16 and a chance to secure an Olympic quota for India.
Highly Competitive Tournament Offers Limited Quotas
The first World Olympic Boxing Qualification Tournament in Busto Arsizio is a fiercely contested event with over 590 boxers from around the world battling for a limited number of spots in the 2024 Paris Olympics. The tournament offers only 49 quotas across all weight categories (28 for men and 21 for women). Each weight category has a maximum of four quotas available, with some exceptions.
While India has already secured four Olympic quotas through the performances of Nikhat Zareen (50kg), Preeti Pawar (54kg), Parveen Hooda (57kg), and Lovlina Borgohain (75kg) at the Asian Games last year, Nishant Dev's performance will be crucial in determining India's final boxing representation at the upcoming Olympics.
