Bangkok, Aug 6 (NationPress) Neeraj (men’s 75kg) and Ishan Kataria (men’s 90+kg), Yatri Patel (women’s 57kg), and Priya (women’s 60kg) achieved impressive victories, securing their spots in the finals of their respective weight classes at the U22 Asian Boxing Championships 2025 held in Bangkok, Thailand on Wednesday.

Neeraj utilized his speed and counter-strategies to outclass Kyeongho Bang from South Korea with a score of 5:0, making history as the first Indian boxer to reach the final on Wednesday. Following him, Ishan Kataria showcased his size and power, overwhelming Chen Chen of China, prompting the referee to halt the match in the third round due to the extensive damage inflicted on the opponent.

Yatri Patel marked her place in history as the first Indian female boxer to reach the finals, effectively employing left-right combinations to dominate Thi Nhung Quand of Vietnam, winning with a unanimous 5:0 decision in the women’s 57kg semifinals. Shortly after, Priya also delivered a commanding performance, defeating Odinakhon Ismoilova from Uzbekistan to secure her place in the women’s 60kg final.

The ongoing U19 and U22 Asian Boxing Championships, taking place simultaneously, offer a crucial platform for India’s emerging talents to demonstrate their skills against some of Asia's most formidable rivals. A well-rounded contingent of 40 boxers has been sent from India, including 20 in each age category, featuring a blend of established champions and promising newcomers who have made an impact in domestic competitions.

Among the four other semi-finalists competing earlier, Rockey Chaudhary faced unfortunate circumstances as the referee disallowed him to continue in the second round due to cuts over both eyebrows sustained against Sam Estaki of Iran.

Harsh (60kg) and Mayur (90kg) fought valiantly against their opponents but fell on the wrong side of close split decisions. Harsh lost 1:4 to Shohruh Abdumalikov from Uzbekistan, while Mayur succumbed to Shakhzod Polvonov, also from Uzbekistan. Ankush, competing against Sanzhar-Ali Begaliyev of Kazakhstan, was defeated 0:5. All four boxers will return home with bronze medals.

In the evening session, Bhawna Sharma could not replicate her quarterfinal success, losing 1:4 to Robiyakhon Bakhtiyorova from Uzbekistan in the women’s 48kg weight class.

Also securing bronze medals were Parthavi Grewal (women’s 60kg), Parnjal Yadav (women’s 65kg), and Shruti (women’s 75kg) following their semi-final defeats.