Young pugilist Gaurav Bidhuri created history on Tuesday by storming into the semifinals of the AIBA World Boxing Championships in Hamburg and assuring at least a bronze medal for India.
Young pugilist Gaurav Bidhuri created history on Tuesday by storming into the semifinals of the AIBA World Boxing Championships in Hamburg
The 24-year-old bantam weight boxer from Delhi, who has been struggling with severe back pain, boxed liked a champion and won by a unanimous decision against Bilel Mhamdi of Tunisia late in the evening.
He will become only the fourth boxer from India to win a medal at the World Championships, emulating Vijender Singh, Vikas Krishan and Shiva Thapa.
“It is unbelievable…I have been struggling with a severe back pain for the last 7-8 months,” an ecstatic Gaurav said after the match. “But nothing could stop me as I was determined to created history. Now I am closer to make that dream come true. I kept my mind controlled and focused on the match; I won first two rounds and then focused on maintaining the lead,” he added. Dedicating the victory to his father, Gaurav said, “My coaches and teammates have been really helpful, they have seen the pain I am going through and have helped me in every step. I want to dedicate this victory to my dad,” he added.
Bidhuri will now take on the winner of between Duke Ragan of USA and Jiawei Zhang of USA in the round of four.
“This is great news for Indian boxing,” BFI president Ajay Singh said. “I congratulate Bidhuri and wish the other boxers too all the best over the next couple of days.”
However, Amit Panghal failed to get into the medal rounds, going down to Hasanboy Dusmatov in the quarterfinals.