The Indian Boxing Team has been cleared to leave for the Asian Championships to be held in Dubai on May 21. Most of the Olympic-bound Indian male boxers have made the cut and the list includes defending champion Amit Panghal (52 kg) as well.

The event was scheduled to take place in New Delhi but it had to be shifted to Dubai considering the worsening situation of the COVID-19 pandemic in India. India have retained the co-host status, though.

The tournament is scheduled to begin on May 24 whereas the draw ceremony is slated for May 23.

The team’s departure was under the clouds of uncertainty due to the international travel ban but the UAE authorities approved the travel on Tuesday.

Manish Kaushik (63kg) and Satish Kumar (+91kg) are two Olympic-bound names missing from the men’s team. Both of them are currently battling COVID-19. While Shiva Thapa — a four-time Asian medalist — has replaced Kaushik, Satish has made way for Narender.

The Women’s team consists of six-time World Champion MC Mary Kom (51 Kg) and all the four Tokyo-bound boxers, which includes Simranjit Kaur (60 Kg). Kaur recovered from COVID-19 recently.

“We are thankful to the UAE Government, Indian Ambassador to UAE, Pavan Kapoor and ASBC President Mr Anas Alotaiba, who have helped us in every possible way to secure the team’s travel to Dubai,” said Boxing Federation of India President Ajay Singh.

“This is a much-needed competition which is crucial for the final phase of training and preparation for the Olympics,” he added.

Indian Squads: 

Men:

Vinod Tanwar (49kg), Amit Panghal (52kg), Mohammad Hussamuddin (56kg), Varinder Singh (60kg), Shiva Thapa (64kg), Vikas Krishan (69kg), Ashish Kumar (75kg), Sumit Sangwan (81kg), Sanjeet (91kg) and Narender (+91kg).

Women:

Monika (48kg), MC Mary Kom (51kg), Sakshi (54kg), Jasmine (57kg), Simranjeet Kaur (60kg), Lalbuatsaihi (64kg), Lovlina Borgohain (69kg), Pooja Rani (75kg), Saweety (81kg) and Anupama (+81kg).