Team Blitz India
NEW DELHI: Nishant Dev scripted history on May 31 by becoming the first Indian male boxer to secure a quota for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The 71kg weight class boxer achieved this milestone by reaching the semifinals of the Boxing Olympic qualifiers, delivering an impressive performance against Vasile Cebotari of Moldova.
The World Championships bronze medalist, who narrowly missed an Olympic berth in the previous qualifiers, showcased his determination and skill by defeating Cebotari 5-0 in a fiercely contested quarterfinal match. Both southpaws displayed remarkable boxing prowess, but it was Dev’s sharp, accurate punches and composed demeanor that ultimately led to his victory.
This achievement marks India’s fourth boxing quota for the Paris Games, following the earlier successes of women boxers Nikhat Zareen (50kg), Preet Pawar (54kg), and Lovlina Borgohain (75kg). With five quota places available in the 71kg weight class, Dev’s qualification is a significant milestone for Indian boxing.
