JAKARTA, Aug 29: Star boxer Vikas Krishan (75kg) overcame a bleeding left eye to be assured of an unprecedented third consecutive Asian Games medal, while Amit Panghal (49kg) produced a power-packed performance in his quarterfinal bout to guarantee himself a maiden podium finish here today.
However, it was curtains for world silver-medallist Sarjubala Devi (51kg) after she lost her quarterfinal bout 0-5 to up and coming Chinese Chang Yuan, a Youth Olympics gold-medallist and also a former youth world champion.
Her loss means that Indian women boxers would be returning without a medal from the Asiad for the first time since the event was added to the Games in 2010. The celebrated MC Mary Kom had claimed a gold and L Sarita Devi and Pooja Rani fetched a bronze each in the 2014 edition.
Vikas, a gold medallist in 2010 and bronze winner in 2014, prevailed on a split 3-2 verdict against China�s Tuoheta Erbieke Tanglatihan in the quarterfinals.
It was a tough bout for the seasoned boxer, who had to go on the defensive in the first round. He will square off against Kazakhstan�s Abilkhan Amankul in the semifinals.
�My performance was affected by the cut I suffered in the first round. I was a bit disturbed and that I was not able to block him that much. If it wasn�t for the cut, I would have beaten him 5-0 like I did in the past. Having said that, he is a good boxer,� said Vikas.
The Haryana-boxer, one of only four Indians with a world championships medal to his credit, launched very few attacks but managed to connect just enough straights to get the judges� nod.
He spent most of the bout fighting from a distance and closed in only when Tanglatihan tried to target his body.
Earlier, Amit advanced to the 49kg semifinals to assure himself of a maiden medal at the Games.
The Armyman, who is a Commonwealth Games silver-medallist, defeated North Korea�s Kim Jang Ryong 5-0 with a thoroughly dominating performance to enter the last-four stage where he will take on Filipino Carlo Paalam.
In the boxing competition, semifinalists are entitled to bronze medals.
The 22-year-old from Haryana, making his debut at the Games, intimidated his 20-year-old opponent, using his right straights to good effect.
On the other hand, the Korean, despite being a southpaw and the taller of the two, simply withdrew after a decent show in the opening three minutes.
Amit was brilliant with his footwork, moving around craftily to exhaust his rival, who looked unsure for most of the bout. � PTI
