Senior National Boxing Championships: Pooja Rani, Jadumani Singh Cruise; Lovlina, Amit Panghal Face Stiff Tests

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New Delhi, Jan 6: World Championship bronze medallist Pooja Rani and India international Jadumani Singh registered commanding victories, while Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist Lovlina Borgohain and seasoned campaigner Amit Panghal were made to work hard to progress at the Elite Men and Women National Boxing Championships on Tuesday (January 6).

The championships, being staged at Gautam Buddha University, mark the first time that the men's and women's National Championships are being held simultaneously at the same venue. Over 600 boxers from across the country are competing across 10 weight categories each in the men's and women's sections.

Haryana's Pooja Rani (75-80kg) showcased her superiority with a dominant 5-0 win over Anju of Chandigarh, asserting her class early in the competition. In the men's 50-55kg category, Jadumani Singh was equally impressive, forcing a referee stoppage in the second round against R Parthiban of Tamil Nadu after a one-sided contest.

Not all established names, however, had smooth passage into the next round. Assam's Saweety stretched Lovlina Borgohain in a closely fought bout before the Tokyo Games medallist edged through with a narrow 3-2 split decision.

In the men's section, former Commonwealth Games gold medallist Amit Panghal (50-55kg), representing SSCB, also faced stiff resistance. Panghal eventually prevailed over Priyanshu of Haryana by a 3-2 split verdict, underlining the competitive depth on display at the national meet.

With early rounds already producing tight contests alongside dominant performances, the championships promise intense action as the country's leading boxers vie for national honours.