IANS

New Delhi, Jun 11: Indian boxers continued to excel at the Asian championships in Zhuhai, China, with three more pugilists entering the medal-bracket after winning their quarterfinal bouts Wednesday.

Olympic quarter finalist Jitender Kumar (54 kg), Jai Bhagwan (60 kg), and Dinesh Kumar (81 kg) assured India of medals after reaching the semifinals with convincing wins. They joined Thokchom Nanao Singh (48kg) and Paramjit Samota (+91kg) who have already booked their places in the semifinals.

Jitender defeated Enkhjargal Iderkhuu of Mongolia 9-4. The Indian was leading 3-1 after the first round and increased it to 6-4 by the end of second round. He did not give Iderkhuu any chance to come back while extending his lead in the third round.

Jitender will next meet Ma Yunhao of China in the semifinals.

World cup bronze medalist Dinesh knocked out Hsiao Huang-Yi of Chinese Taipei in the very first round. After administering the count to the boxer, the referee stopped the contest in favour of Dinesh. He now meets Rasulov Elshod of Uzbekistan in the

semifinal.

Bhagwan quelled the challenge of local favourite Hu Quianxun of China in front of a vociferous home crowd.

The score was tied 1-1 at the end of round one. Bhagwan used his tall frame to good advantage in the second round and moved freely to eke out a 5-3 lead in the second round. He then consolidated the lead and romped home 12-3.

The Indian will face Zhailuov Gani of Kazakhstan in the semifinal.

Gurlal Singh was the lone Indian boxer to go down Wednesday, losing 7-14 to Almatbouli Ihab of Jordan in the 91 kg category.

Four Indian boxers will feature in the quarterfinals Thursday.

Beijing Olympic bronze medallist Vijender Singh, who knocked down World Champion Aeotv in the first round, will face Ruslan Karipov of Uzbekistan.

In the 51 kg, Suranjoy Singh takes on Pak Jong Chol of North Korea, while in the 57 kg Chhote Lal Yadav meets Masuk Wuttichai of Thailand. Balwinder Beniwal will face Karami Houman of Iran in the 69 kg.