Pooja Rani punches into semis

Veteran Indian boxer Pooja Rani ensured herself a historic first World Championships medal after grinding out a hard-fought victory over Poland’s Emilia Koterska in the women’s 80kg quarterfinals. The 34-year-old edged past her teenage opponent 3-2 in a split decision late Wednesday night, sealing a semifinal berth and a guaranteed podium finish.

Pooja, who had received a first-round bye, relied on her experience to navigate a scrappy contest in a non-Olympic weight class featuring 12 competitors. She joins compatriots Jaismine Lamboria (57kg) and Nupur Sheoran (80+kg) as India’s confirmed medal winners in the ongoing edition.

The bout began on a shaky note for the seasoned campaigner, with Koterska’s counters earning her the opening round. But Pooja, a two-time Asian champion and 2014 Asian Games bronze medallist, raised her intensity in the second, landing clean hooks to dominate the round on all judges’ cards. By the final stretch, both fighters were visibly fatigued, but Pooja’s composure and sharp backhands carried her across the line.

Her next challenge will be local favourite Emily Asquith in the semifinals.

Meanwhile, India’s men’s squad continued to struggle as Abhinash Jamwal (65kg) exited following a 1-4 defeat to Olympic bronze medallist Lasha Guruli of Georgia, leaving only Jadumani Singh (50kg) in contention.