Akash Kumar becomes 7th Indian male boxer to win a medal at World Boxing Championship

Akash Kumar becomes 7th Indian male boxer to win a medal at World Boxing Championship

Akash Kumar

Following a stunning win in the quarterfinal, Akash Kumar has confirmed India’s first medal at the World Boxing Championship 2021. Akash beat Venezuela’s Yoel Finol 5-0 in the quarterfinal to storm into the last-four stage in the 54kg category. He had earlier toppled Puerto Rico’s Caleb Tirado in the Round of 16 with a unanimous decision.

Making his debut at the World Championships, there has been no stopping Akash who has used his height to his advantage skilfully to storm into the semifinals. The 20-year-old has impressed one and all with this exquisite footwork and speed in the tournament. Akash is only the seventh Indian boxer among men to win a medal at the World Championships. He will be going toe to toe against Makhmud Sabyrkhan of Kazakhstan in the semi-final on Thursday.

Akash Kumar’s road to glory was one filled with thorns

Akash Kumar
Akash Kumar

The journey to the summit has not been an easy one for Akash Kumar. HE bagged the national title at the National Championships to book his ticket to the Worlds. As he got ready to share this great news with his mother, he was confronted with a bitter truth. Akash’s mother had passed away the day before the Nationals kicked off.

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And he was unaware the whole time, fighting his way to the top to present his ill mother the gold medal. Akash dedicated his medal to his parents. “This medal means the world to me. I want to dedicate it to my parents. This is my first big tournament and I am extremely proud and emotional. I want to give absolutely everything to bring home the gold medal. I want to thank all my coaches and support staff who have helped me reach here.”

Akash won the Under-21 gold medal at the Khelo India Youth Games in Guwahati last January and there has been no stopping him ever since. Despite being hit with such shocking news, he held his nerves and excelled at the biggest stage. Having come this far, Akash will be eyeing the gold medal and become the first Indian to grab the pole position in the prestigious tournament.

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