New Delhi, March 25 (EFE).- Russia’s Demurchien Anastasia won gold in the -70kg category on Saturday at the women’s world boxing championships in India, amid controversy where the Russian anthem was played and the Russian flag was waved. A boycott by many countries prior to the invasion of Ukraine.
Anastasia defeated Australia’s K Scott Francis 5-0 by unanimous decision in New Delhi, a venue marred by controversy over the inclusion of players from Russia and Belarus.
India’s Nitu Ghanghas (-48kg) defeated Mongolia’s Lutsaikhan Altansetseg 5-0 to win the gold medal. China’s Wu Yu (-52kg) also won 5-0 against Italy’s Chirin Sarabi.
Italy’s Irma Tessa (5-0) won gold in the -57kg category by defeating Kazakhstan’s Karina Ibrahimova.
It was a close match between Russia’s Chichukova Natalya and China’s Yang Chengyu (-63kg). They won after a split jury verdict. India won a second medal, much celebrated by the public, with a win by Saveti Pura. (-81 kg) over China’s Wang Lina
The tournament has been marred by controversy over the inclusion of fighters from Russia and Belarus, which have been banned from international competition since the start of the war in Ukraine.
Suspended by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the International Federation of Sports Confederation (IBA) gave the Indian event the status of qualifier for Paris 2024, without taking into account the Olympic Organization, which has taken over the selection process for the next Games.
Several countries, including the United States, Ireland (second place in the previous edition), Great Britain and Ukraine, boycotted the World Cup due to the presence of Russians and Belarusians. These boxers will no longer be able to participate in the 2022 World Cups because of measures taken after the invasion of Ukraine.
IBA has been suspended since 2019 for its irregularities. Already at the Tokyo Games, the IOC was in charge of the qualification process, as it will do with Paris 2024, although the federation unveiled its own roadmap last month, with these World Cups in New Delhi being the first qualifiers.
Boxing is currently not included in the Los Angeles 2028 Games programme, pending the IBA’s compliance with the IOC’s demands for transparency and good governance. EFE
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