Pooja Rani crashed out of Tokyo Olympics after a 0-5 loss to China’s Li Qian in the quarterfinals of women’s 69-kg category.
The Indian boxer, although started on a positive note, failed to land scoring punches as the Rio Olympics bronze medallist played some smart boxing to outscore her Indian opponent.
However, Round 2 and 3 belonged to Li Qian who dominated Pooja Rani with some brilliant scoring punches to win on a unanimous decision. With that, India’s medal hopes in the 69-kg category was dashed.
The Chinese boxer advanced to the semi-final of the showpiece event after defeating Pooja. The Rio bronze medallist got off to a good start as she won the first round. All five judges gave her a 10 while Pooja bagged nine points.The Chinese boxer took the first round 5-0 against Pooja. In the second round also, Li Qian replicated the same and didn’t allow Pooja to get over her. The ace boxer clinched the essay 5-0 over the Indian pugilist.
Pooja needed a comeback in the last round but she couldn’t weather the storm as Li Qian won the final round again with a similar scoreline to end the Indian boxer’s campaign.
Earlier in the day, top-seed Amit Panghal crashed out of the showpiece event after losing to Colombia’s Yuberjen Martinez in men’s Flyweight (48-52kg).
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