Chanu and Chahal kick start Indian campaign at the World Women Boxing Championships

QINHUANGDAO: Indian boxer Mandakini Chanu gave a kick-start to the Indian campaign by defeating Serbian Boxer Bojana Ranic in the 57 kgs weight category in the opening bout of the 7th AIBA World Women Boxing Championships at Qinhuangdao, China.
From the beginning, Chanu relentlessly attacked Bojana who was physically much taller and heftier than her.Nevertheless Chanu won all three rounds. She will next face Tiara Brown of United States on 14th May, 2012.
Meanwhile in the 60 kgs category, India's Neetu Chahal defeated Hungary's European Union Champion Bianka Nagy on points 22:6. Like Chanu, Chahal's attacking strategy worked against her much experienced opponent. Chahal will now meet Netherlands' Marie de Jong.
All the three Olympic weight categories preliminary bouts will be held on 12 May 2012.
In the 51 kgs, there are a total of 55 boxers participating and MC Mary Kom, who has been seeded 7th in this category, has got a bye and will hence play against the winner of Japan and Greece on 13 May 2012.
In the 60 kgs weight category where there are a total of 58 boxers in the competition, Sarita Devi will play against Ayzanat Hajiyeva of Azerbaijan on 12 May 2012.
In the 75 kgs weight category Pooja Rani will play against Claressa Shields of USA on 12 May 2012 in the afternoon session.