Beniwal fights his way into semifinal
Youngster Balwinder Beniwal became the third Indian boxer to make it to the semifinals at the 2011 ASBC Asian Confederation Boxing Championships in Incheon, South Korea.
Balwinder who fought in the 64 kg category paved the way for his second international medal with a resounding win. Balwinder went on to claim his semifinal spot with a comprehensive 28-11 victory on points. But the other three Indian boxers on the day faced defeats.
Asian Championship debutants Santosh Harijan (52kg), Mandeep Jangra (69kg) and Arun Hooda (+91kg) had their hopes of making it to the medal rounds dashed, as they finished on the losing side in the quarterfinals of their respective weight categories. Balwinder who got a walk-over in the previous round was up against Aamir Khan of Pakistan, in quarterfinals of the light welterweight division.
The 20 year old, who was eliminated at the same stage of the tournament in the 2009 edition in China, exhibited exceptional skill and agility as he hammered the Pakistani boxer in a one-sided contest.
Aamir had no answer to the Balwinder’s punches. He will now take on Munkherdene Vranchimeg of Mangolia in the semifinals.
With Paramjeet Samota (91kg) and Amandeep Singh (49kg) having already qualified for the final-four, India will have representation in three weight categories when semifinal bouts take place on Thursday.
