Women's youth boxing c'ship: India assured of five more medals

India was assured of an impressive medal haul with five of its boxers entering the semifinals and ensuring podium finishes in the World youth women's boxing championship at the N.C. Bardoloi Indoor Stadium here on Wednesday.

Nitu (48kg), Jyoti Gulia (51kg), Sakshi Chaudhary (54kg), Shashi Chopra (57kg) and Ankushita Boro (64kg) won their quarterfinal bouts to give India its best ever performance. Earlier, the direct entry of Anupama (81kg) and Neha Yadav (+81kg) to the last four had secured two medals.
 
Jyoti shrugged off an indifferent start to beat Italian Giovanna Marchese 5-0. The Indian changed her strategy to move around nicely and deliver some hooks. In the final round, Jyoti landed a few accurate shots to win the bout convincingly.
 

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Mixing aggression with caution, Shashi got the better of Kazak Sandugash Abilkhan 5-0.

It was another sweet revenge for Ankushita, who pipped Rebecca Nicoli of Italy 3-2. Ankushita, who showcased her combinations against Rebecca's straight ones, was on the back foot in the second round after getting hit on her right eye.

However, the Assam girl grabbed her opportunities in the final round to bring happiness to the home fans.

Nitu registered a comfortable 5-0 win over German Maxi Klotzer, while Sakshi outslugged China's Xia Lu.

Astha Pahwa (69kg) was shocked not to get the decision in her favour even after giving a superior performance against Turkey's Canser Oltu, who got a caution for biting the Indian's left shoulder. Niharika Gonella (75kg) was the other Indian to lose.