Preeti Pawar Advances to Paris Olympics Pre-Quarterfinals in Boxing

Indian boxer Preeti Pawar secured an unanimous decision win against Vietnam's Vo Thi Kim Anh, advancing to the women's 54kg category pre-quarterfinals at the Paris Olympics. Despite earlier health issues, the Asian Games bronze medallist showed remarkable resilience, making amends in subsequent rounds to secure her victory.

Indian boxer Preeti Pawar secured a unanimous decision win over Vietnam's Vo Thi Kim Anh, advancing to the women's 54kg category pre-quarterfinals at the Paris Olympics. The 20-year-old Asian Games bronze medallist showcased her resilience despite facing health issues ahead of the Games.

Competing in her maiden Olympic Games, Pawar opened the proceedings for India in the boxing arena with a strong comeback, winning her first bout by a 5-0 margin on Saturday night. Initially dominated by her Vietnamese opponent, Pawar turned the tables in the next two rounds with clear, decisive blows.

''Happy that we started on a winning note! Despite falling ill before the Games, Preeti not only recovered but fought brilliantly and showed exceptional courage,'' said Boxing Federation of India President Ajay Singh. Pawar is set to face the second seed, Marcela Yeni Arias of Colombia, in the round of 16 clash on Tuesday.

(With inputs from agencies.)