Asian Games Test Event: Indian pugilists win five gold medals

Indian pugilists testing their water for the upcoming Asian Games in August proved their worth and emerged with a massive tally of ten medals, including five gold, one silver and four bronze medals at the Asian Games Test Event, here in Jakarta on Thursday.

Even though seven of the ten participating Indian pugilists were guaranteed bronze medals at the start of the tournament, three Indian boxers displayed ruthlessness as they romped past their opponents in dominating fashion to clinch the gold.

Salman Shaikh in the 52-kg category, Manish Kaushik of the 60-kg category and Pavitra of the women's 60-kg category fought their way to gold even after they were guaranteed a bronze without even throwing a punch.

Pavitra won 5-0 against Nilawan Techasuep of Thailand, Shyam Kumar defeated local lad Mario Blasius 4-1, while Salman Shaikh also defeated his Philippine's pugilist 5-0.

India's greatest find in the Youth World Championships has been Shakshi who yet again displayed her dominance in the ring but couldn't manage to get past her final opponent and settled for silver.

Etias Kha (56kg-bronze, Ashish Kumar (75-kg, Pawan Kumar (69kg) and Ritu (51-kg) had to settle for bronze after losing out in their respective semifinal bouts.