Image Source: Agencies

Experienced Indian boxer Shiva Thapa (63.5 kg) crashed out of the Asian Games after Kyrgyzstan's Askat Kultaev claimed a commanding victory, while Sanjeet (92 kg) also suffered a first-round injury. A record six-time Asian Championship medalist Shiva, who received a first-round bye, overcame Kultaev's relentless attack and momentum in a tight quarterfinal match. This is a shocking loss as Shiva was a strong medal contender. He even got lucky in the lottery. Kultaev started aggressively and his attack hit Shiva. It took the Indian a few seconds to compose himself and connect powerful hooks. But with a slight height disadvantage, Shiva was forced to fight from a distance with the judges, who decided the first round 4-1 in favor of Aksat. The 21-year-old Kyrgyz continued his attacks in the second round. He continued to throw punches that may not connect, but it forced Shiva to defend. Shiva was more patient with his punches which cost the Assamese boxer the second round. Shiva tried his best in the final three minutes to score, but his younger opponent stepped back and defended lightly. In India's second match of the day, Sanjeet had a comprehensive 5-0 win over World Cup bronze medalist Lazizbek Mullojonov. Sanjeet found it difficult to withstand the blows of the 2022 Asian Super Heavyweight Champions and was forced to go into defensive mode. Sanjeet, trailing at 0-5, lost his balance after being hit by Mullojonov, who took him for eight. The difference between the two boxers was so great that two of the five judges gave the Indian 8 points.