BY RIZWAN REHMAT
DOHA: Experienced fighter Sonday Qlement yesterday won an all-Qatar affair to become one of three home talents to reach the semi-finals at the Doha International Boxing Tournament where Indian pugilists dominated the proceedings with convincing wins.
Qatar’s Qlement beat compatriot Hakan Nuraydin in a unanimous decision to reach the semi-finals of the Light Heavy (81kg) class at Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena.
Qlement scored 30-27, 30-27, 30-27 decision with all three judges on what was day two of the pre-worlds event.
“I am happy with the result from this fight. Everything is in the hands of God. I want to do as good as possible. God has blessed me with this victory,” Qlement said after dominating Nuraydin.
Earlier in the day, India’s Manoj Kumar hammered Younes Baati of Morocco in the light welter class (64kg).
Later India’s Mandeep Jangra outscored Afghanistan’s Rahemi Allahdad in their welter (69kg) bout.
In the first session of the day, India’s Shiva Thapa topped his bantam class bout against Mohammad Al Wadi of Jordan while India’s Manish Kaushik beat Tunisia’s Ahmed Almejri as India secured semi-finals berths in convincing fashion.
“Our boxers are fairly experienced,” India’s chief coach G S Sandhu said.
“Manoj is an Olympian and he has appeared at many top competitions,” he added.
“Manoj has good combinations,” he said. “We have reached seven semi-finals. We are looking forward to our bouts,” he said.
Earlier yesterday, Qatar’s Sadiq Abdullatef beat Afghanistan’s Ahmed Samir Dawrani to reach the semi-finals in the 60kg class.
Abdullatef scored 29-28, 30-27, 29-28 with the judges.
“This was a pleasing result. I am more experienced than him. There was pressure on me as I am fighting in front of my own fans. They want me to win all fights,” Abdullatef said
He added: “I am looking forward to the World Championships because that event is a qualifying tournament for the Rio Olympic Games. I have been fighting for 15 years. I am 32 years old. I want to go to the Olympics and win a medal there.”
Tunisia’s Montassar Bouali was put the test against Morocco’s Imad Ahayoun but the former won a unanimous points decision.
“I am happy with my performance,” Bouali said. “I’ve come here with the express purpose of winning the gold here in Doha,” he said.
“Not just the gold, I am eyeing the gold at the World Championships (in October). I’ve been in training for this event for more than three months. I want to go to Rio Olympics.
“I feel really good at this point. I am confident I can go on and win here,” the 21-year-old added.
Morocco’s Said Malek beat Qatar’s Ali Nebiyoo to reach the bantam class (56kg) semi-finals.
Malek said: “It may have looked easy but it was a tough fight. I had to be at my best to win this one.”
He added: “I am happy that I won a tough fight. This will prepare me well. I have been training for more than five months. I am not sure if I will come back for the World Championships. At this point in time, I am not sure.”
India’s Thapa was delighted having beaten Al Wadi of Jordan.
Thapa said: “We have been training with a lot of focus on future events. We want to do well at the top events. It was a deliberate strategy to defend well and land the punches that matter.”
He added: “I am happy with my form. The Indian boxers are in good form. We had a great win yesterday with Devendro and now today. I want to come back and win again.”
The Indian said: “I feel great fitness-wise despite the fact this is our first event in many months. We haven’t had international bouts for quite a while.”
Morocco’s Rabi Hamza, who beat Dinesh Shrestha of Nepal in their light class (60kg), said: “I have my eyes on the World Championships. I want to come back and win a medal. I am feeling great. I won today because I am more experienced than my opponent. I am here because this event will help me prepare for the big show in October. I think I can win a medal at the World Championships.”
THE PENINSULA
