India Boxing Squad For Asian Games 2022: Nitu Ghanghas, Amit Panghal miss out on ticket to Hangzhou

Reigning World Champion Nitu Ghanghas and 2018 Asian Games gold medallist Amit Panghal missed out on a spot in the 13-member Indian boxing squad for the rescheduled Asian Games 2022, which is set to take place in September.

The defending 48kg champion, Ghanghas failed to seal berth after she moved up in weight to 54kg and lost out on the spot to young Preeti Dahiya, who had put on an impressive display earlier this year in her debut World Championships.

The women's team will be spearheaded by two-two World champion and the reigning champion in 48-50kg category, Nikhat Zareen, who will be competing in the 51kg category in the Asian Games.

The women's squad will also see the likes of Olympic bronze medallist and reigning middleweight champion Lovlina Borgohain as well as Arundhati Chaudhary, Parveen Hooda and Jaismine Lamboria in action.

Panghal, on the other hand, missed out on the spot as World Championship bronze medallist boxers Deepak Bhoria was picked for the 51kg category. Bhoria will spearhead the men's team that also includes Shiva Thapa, Nishant Dev, Sachin Siwach, Sanjeet, Lakshya Chahar and Narender Berwal.

With a World Championships bronze medal and six Asian Championships medals under his belt, Shiva Thapa will be looking to add a first Asian Games medal to his kitty as he represents the country in the 63.5 kg category.

"This formidable squad has worked tirelessly to prepare for this prestigious event and I have no doubt that they will make our country proud," said Ajay Singh, President of the Boxing Federation of India (BFI).

"India has been making waves in the boxing landscape and has established its place amongst the elite. Having witnessed exceptional performances by our boxers at the recent World Championships, we are confident that we will be seeing more of the same in Hangzhou. Everyone at BFI wishes each and every member of the team all the best."

The Asian Games boxing competitions has greater significance this year as the event will serve as the first Olympic Qualifiers for the 2024 Paris Games for the pugilists from the continent.

At the Asian Games 2022 in Hangzhou, Boxing is scheduled to take place from September 24 to October 5. Here is a look at the India boxing squad - 13 members (6 women and 7 men) - for the Asian Games 2022 in Hangzhou.