Four boxers enter semis of Asian C'ships

Commonwealth Games gold-medallist Manoj Kumar (64kg), along with three others, today assured India of at least four bronze medals at the Asian Boxing Championship by advancing to the semifinals of the event in Amman, Jordan.

Manoj won on an unanimous decision against Armi Khir of Malaysia and will take on Uranchimea munkh Erdene of Mongolia in the last-four stage tomorrow.

The other Indians who have made the semifinals are Olympians L Devendro Singh (49kg) and Shiva Thapa (56kg) and the fast-rising Mandeep Jangra (69kg), who won a gold medal at the Limossol Cup in Cyprus a few weeks ago.

All three boxers, who are in their early 20s, are rising stars on the Indian boxing scene.

Devendro won on a unanimous decision against Mirzakhmedov Nodirjon ofUzbekistan. His next bout is against LV Bin of China.

Shiva, on the other hand, won a split decision against Chinese Taipei's Li Lin Yen. He will now be up against Kyrgyzstan's Malbekov Omurbek.

Mandeep also won a split decision against Uzbekistan's Kosimov Nodirbek. His next opponent is Jargal Otgonjargal of Mongolia.

The only disappointment for India came in the form of Sukhdeep Singh (75kg), who lost to Jafoev Navruz of Tajikistan. The Punjab-lad lost on a split decision.