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Indian boxer Pooja Rani has made it to the quarter-finals of the women’s 75 kg weight category at the Tokyo Olympics. The 30-year-old, who got a bye in the first round, defeated Ichrak Chaib of Algeria by 5-0 in a round of 16 matches on Wednesday. If Pooja wins the next bout, her medal will be confirmed.
In the boxing match played at Tokyo’s Kokugikan Arena, Indian boxer clashed with 20-year-old Algerian boxer Ichrak Chaib in the last-16. This was the debut of both the boxers in the Olympics and, the 30-year-old Indian boxer used her experience. Pooja did not give the Algerian boxer any chance in all three rounds and made it to the next round after defeating 5-0 in a unilateral decision.
In the match, Pooja gained an edge over Chaib with her aggressive play in the first two rounds itself. Pooja Rani showed an aggressive style and was successful in impressing the judges. In all three rounds, Pooja managed to take the lead over the Algerian boxer.
Pooja is the second Indian boxer to reach the quarterfinals. Before her, on Tuesday, Lovlina had also made her place in the last-8. Both these boxers now have a chance to secure their medals. If both the players win their respective matches in the quarter-finals, then they will make their place in the semi-finals. According to the rules of boxing, after reaching the semi-finals, boxers are entitled to at least a bronze medal.