Paris: Indian boxer Preeti Pawar defeated Vietnam’s Vo Thi Kim Anh in women’s 54kg category first round bout to enter the pre-quarterfinals at the Paris Olympics here on Saturday. Asian Games bronze medallist Preeti, competing in her debut Olympic Games, opened the proceedings for India and she won 5-0 on points.
The 20-year-old from Haryana was unimpressive in the first round as her Vietnamese opponent dictated the proceedings. But the Indian made amends in the next two rounds, attacking and landing clear blows on her opponent.
Preeti will face second seed and world championships silver-medallist Marcela Yeni Arias of Colombia in the round of 16 clash on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, India’s Chef de Mission Gagan Narang on Saturday consoled shooter Sarabjot Singh who failed to make it to the final round of the men’s 10m air pistol event. Sarabjot and Arjun Singh Cheema sparkled in patches but could not make it to the men’s 10m air pistol final.
While Sarabjot finished ninth with a total score of 577 in the qualifications, Arjun ended way behind at 18th with 574. “No one can understand how Sarabjot feels like I do. I faced a similar situation missing out on a count back in 2008 Beijing Olympics,” Narang, a bronze medallist in 10m air rifle event in 2012 London Olympics, wrote on his ‘X’ handle.
“Chin up @sarabjotsingh30 you have one more event.. You got this.. come back stronger and conquer the world my friend.” Sarabjot has one more chance to achieve success as he will pair up with Manu Bhaker in the 10m air pistol mixed team event at the Paris Games.
