Jay Bhagwan makes good start at Asian boxing

India got off to a good start in the 2011 Asian Confederation Boxing Championships, in Incheon, South Korea, with Jay Bhagwan winning his preliminary round comfortably, on Friday.

A silver medalist from the last edition, the Indian pugilist was up against Zorigtbaatar Enkhzorig of Mongolia in the 60 kg category. The keenly-contested bout saw both boxers deliver their best before the Mongolian lost his rhythm, committing three fouls.

This resulted in the bout being halted and Bhagwan winning 19:12 on points.

The biennial event, being held from August 3 to 13, has over 150 boxers from 24 Asian countries vying for top honours.

Among the participating countries, China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Uzbekistan and Korea, the hosting national federation, will be represented in the Continental Championships in all the weight categories.

The 26th edition of the championships will sever as preparatory ground for the first qualifying event for 2012 London Olympics, the 2011 AIBA World Boxing Championships, which is slated to be held in September at Baku, in Azerbaijan, from September 22 to October 10.