Commonwealth Games: Preeti, Priya assured of medals

Indian boxer Preeti Pawar outclassed Nicole Clyde of Northern Ireland 5-0 in the women’s 54kg quarterfinal of the Commonwealth Games at the Scottish Event Campus here on Tuesday.

The 22-year-old from the boxing heartland of Bhiwani, Haryana, has assured the country of at least a bronze medal.

Preeti was dominant from the outset, attacking relentlessly with sharp back-and-forth movement that kept Clyde at bay. She combined crisp right and left jabs to collect valuable points in the opening round, winning it unanimously. Four judges scored it 10-9 in Preeti’s favour, while one awarded her a 10-8 verdict.

She continued her blitz in the second round, moving fluidly around the ring and landing accurate jabs and uppercuts to once again sweep the round 5-0.

If Preeti’s attack was impressive, her defence was equally effective. Whenever Clyde tried to close the gap, Preeti was quick to evade or block her rival’s punches.

Clyde fought hard but the Indian remained a step ahead throughout, comfortably taking the third round to complete a comprehensive victory.

“I would like to thank all the Indians for their blessings and prayers. There were many challenges in my life, and now I am able to understand my game better. I gave my 100% today and will give my 100% in the next bout as well,” said an elated Preeti.

She added her training camp in Belfast, where she sparred with Clyde before the Games, also helped her prepare for the contest.

Later, Priya Ghanghas assured another medal by beating Scotland’s Niamh Mitchell 4-1 on points in the women’s 60kg quarterfinal bout.

Parveen Hooda lost her women’s 65kg quarterfinal to England’s Sacha Hickey 2-3 in a split verdict..