Pawan Bartwal Triumphs in World Boxing Championships Debut

Liverpool, Sep 4 (PTI) – Pawan Bartwal marked an impressive start for India at the World Boxing Championships, clinching a hard-fought split-decision win against Brazil's Michael Douglas da Silva Trindade in the men's 55kg opening round on Thursday. Despite facing the experienced Paris Olympian and 2023 Pan American Games silver medallist, Bartwal, debuting at the international stage, triumphed 3-2 in a challenging encounter that kept spectators on edge with its frequent momentum shifts. The fight began with Bartwal swiftly landing a sharp jab and increasing the pace late in the first round to narrowly edge Trindade 3-2. The Brazilian fought back vigorously in the second round, pushing Bartwal on the defensive with a series of powerful punches in a round characterized by intense exchanges. Trindade managed to narrowly win the round, setting the stage for a tense final round. Bartwal, however, regained command in the decider by unleashing an unwavering assault with numerous combinations and concluded on a high to secure the victory. Later in the day, India’s Sakshi (54kg), Sanamacha Chanu (70kg), and Harsh Choudhary (90kg) will commence their campaigns. The Indian contingent has been handed a favorable draw where medal hopefuls like Hitesh Gulia (70kg), Abhinash Jamwal (65kg), seasoned champion Nikhat Zareen (51kg), and Olympic bronze medallist Lovlina Borgohain (70kg) have sidestepped formidable opponents in the early rounds. Gulia, Jamwal, and Lovlina received byes in the initial round, whereas Nikhat is set to face Jennifer Lozana of the USA. Gulia and Jamwal find themselves in separate halves of the draw away from their main adversaries Kainan Oliveira and Yuri Falcao, both from Brazil. Amongst other serious medal hopefuls for India, Sakshi (54kg) will begin her journey against Ukraine’s Viktoriia Shkeul. Additionally, Commonwealth Games medallist Jaismine Lamboria (57kg) is anticipated to face a stern test in the second round against Brazil’s reigning Pan American Games champion Jucielen Cerqueira Romeu, should she triumph over Ukraine’s Daria-Olha Hutarina in her opening round. Moreover, India’s boxers Meenakshi Hooda (48kg), Pooja Rani (80kg), Nupur Sheoran (80+kg), Jadumani Singh Mandengbam (50kg), Sachin Siwach (60kg), Lakshya Chahar (80kg), and Jugnoo Ahlawat (85kg) have been granted first-round byes.