Elorda Cup 2023: Five Indian boxers suffer elimination after hapless defeats

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It was a disappointing day for India at the Elorda Cup on Thursday (June 29) as five of the Indian pugilists bid adieu to the tournament.

Despite putting up spirited performances, pugilists Zoram Muana, Pukharam Kishan Singh, Shiksha, Ashish Kumar and Hemant Yadav suffered hard-fought defeats in the quarter-finals and exited the ongoing Elorda Cup in Astana, Kazakhstan.

Going up against the Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist Saken Bibossinov of Kazakhstan, Zoram (51kg) suffered a unanimous 0-5 defeat.

In the 54kg category, Pukharam endured a 0:5 loss against Daulet Moldashev of Kazakhstan while in the 57kg category, while Ashish Kumar succumbed to Sukthet Sarawut of Thailand by an identical scoreline.

Hemant Yadav (71kg) also endured a 0:5 defeat against Talgat Shaikenov of Kazakhstan.

In a tough fixture against the 2016 World Championships bronze medallist Zhaina Shekerbekova of Kazakhstan, Shiksha (54kg) fought valiantly but lost 0:5.

The Indian pugilists showed their talents in bits, and failed to showcase any consistency in their efforts. After a disappointing Thursday, India's boxing contingent will be hoping for a better Friday.

On Friday, Vijay Kumar (60kg) will take to the ring for his quarter-finals bout against Zholdas Zhenissov of Kazakhstan. ElorNeema (63kg) will be contesting her semi-finals bout against Laura Yessenkeldi of Kazakhstan.