By IANS,
New Delhi : Indian boxers started their campaign in the semi-final matches in Commonwealth Games on a disappointing note, as three of them lost their bouts Monday.
Seven Indian boxers had reached the semi-finals.
While Amandeep Singh (46 to 49 kg), Jai Bhagwan (60 kg) and Dilbagh Singh (69) lost, Suranjoy Singh (52 kg), Manoj Kumar (64 kg), Vijender Singh (75kg) and Paramjit Samota (+91 kg) will fight it out in the matches later Monday.
Amandeep, Jai and Dilbagh will get a bronze each. (In boxing, the two losing semi-finalists are given bronze).
Amandeep was beaten by Northern Ireland boxer Paddy Barnes in a tough match 5-6.
“I had done a lot of hard work but today I did not fight as per the strategy I had made. I knew that Barnes plays with a tight guard and I also tried to do the same, but it didn’t work. I deliberately waited for him to attack first but it did not work for me,” said a dejected Amandeep.
He was, however, happy at getting a bronze.
“I am a bit happy to win a medal for my country. Now my next aim is Asian Games and I will try my best to win gold there,” said Amandeep.
Strong medal bet Jai Bhagwan was thrashed by Thomas Stalker of England 5-10.
“I tried my level best. I think both of us were equal and evenly matched. He won on the basis of warnings and not on punches. But I wish him luck for the upcoming bout,” Jai told reporters here.
On his win, Stalker said, “He hit me twice with low blows but being a boxer, I just have to stand up and carry on. The atmosphere was unbelievable and Indian fans are lovely.”
In another neck-and-neck fight, Dilbagh was outclassed by Northern Ireland boxer Patrick Gallagher 5-4.