Jagroop, Manoj in semifinals

Indian boxers were off to flying starts in the Khabarovsk International Competition in Russia as well as in Cyprus for the Invitation FXTM International Limassol boxing.

At Cyprus, Manoj Kumar (64kg) and Jagroop Singh (81kg), assured themselves of the medals by entering the semifinals. 

Manoj, a 2010 Commonwealth Games gold medallist, beat Frank Urquiaht of Spain of 15:13. The 26 year old dominated the bout throughout and will take on Diaa Twafeek Mohamed of Egypt in the semis.

Playing his first international tournament, silver medal winner at the 2012 Senior Men’s National boxing Championship, Jagroop put in a power-packed performance against Ahrahim Ibrahim from Egypt, who retired hurt in the second round. 

In Russia, National Champion and National Games gold medallist Nanao Singh (49kg) and 2010 Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Dilbag Singh (69kg), too, assured themselves of atleast a bronze by entering the semifinals.

Nanao outboxed Ladon Rogen of the Philippines 12-8 in a one-sided contest. The 22-year-old, with his quick fire combinations and fluent ring movement, made it if very difficult for the Philippines boxer to settle down and find his rhythm. He went on to find a place in the semifinals with a 12-8 win on points. 

In the round of four, he takes on Ri Chung Hyok of DPR Korea.

The 2010 Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Dilbag Singh (69kg), too, delivered a superlative performance against Szilvai Laszlo of Hungary to win 17-6. The Indian boxer made full use of his experience to overhaul the Hungarian boxer to make it to the penultimate round of the tournament.