Strandja Memorial Boxing Tournament: Sachin and Sagar storm to quarter-finals in Bulgaria

Sachin (57kg) defeated Uzbekistan's Fayzov Khudoynazar, while Sagar (92+kg) defeated Lithuanian Jazeviciius Jonas.

India Sagar (in blue) in action during his pre-quarterfinal match at the Strandja Memorial tournament. (Image: BFI)

Sofia, Bulgaria): Former world junior champion Sachin and Commonwealth Games silver medalist Sagar advanced to the quarter-finals on day three of the ongoing Strandja Memorial Tournament in Sofia, Bulgaria, on Tuesday. Sachin (57kg) took on Fayzov Khudoynazar of Uzbekistan in the pre-quarter and both boxers came out with attacking intent, but it was Fayzov who took a small advantage in the first round.

Sachin looked transformed in the second round and made a comeback by using his quick reflexes to dodge multiple attacks before landing some accurate jabs. In the third round he was at his attacking best, leaving his opponent clueless with his sharp punches and quick movements, ultimately scoring a phenomenal 3-2 win to advance to the quarter-finals. He will now face Georgia's Kapanadze Giorgi on Friday to secure a place in the semi-finals.

Sagar (92+kg) faced the Lithuanian Jazeviciius Jonas in the preparation. The Indian boxer appeared to be in complete control of the match from the start as he put in a scintillating attacking performance to reach the quarter-finals with a 5-0 unanimous decision. Sagar will now face Zokirov Jakhongir from Uzbekistan on Thursday.

Vanshaj (63.5 kg) lost in an exciting fight against the Iranian Habibinezhad Ali. Both boxers were cautious in their approach and wanted to take advantage of counter-attacks. Vanshaj had his moments of dominance but ultimately the final verdict came against him as he lost the fight 2-3 and ended his campaign.

Late on Monday, Arundhati Choudhary (66kg) reached the quarter-finals with a 4-1 win over France's Sonvico Emilie. On Thursday she will play against Matovic Milena from Serbia. Manisha (60kg), on the other hand, lost 2-3 in the preparation against Zidani Amina from France.

On Wednesday, five Indian boxers will kick off their campaign in their respective pre-quarter fights. Amit Panghal (51kg) will be in action against Rudyk Maksym of Ukraine, Akash (71kg) will take on Traore Makan of France and Deepak (75kg) will take on Asankul Uulu Sultan of Kyrgyzstan, Abhimanyu Loura (80kg ) and Naveen Kumar (92 kg). will face France's Monny Raphael and Lithuania's Voisnarovic Darius respectively.

The Strandja Memorial Tournament is one of the oldest international sports competitions in Europe and more than 300 boxers from 30 countries participate.