Surender in semis, assures India bronze

Reigning Youth National Champion Surender Singh, on Saturday assured himself at least a bronze medal in the ongoing Commonwealth Youth Games in the Isle of Mann by advancing into the semi-finals of the 75kg category.

The 17-year-old, who bagged a gold medal at the recently-concluded Cuban Youth Olympics, carried forward his good form.

Up against Nathan Thorley of Wales, the Indian boxer was in exceptional touch. With the help of some exquisite combinations and nifty footwork, the two-time Youth National Champion secured a berth in the round of four. He defeated the Welsh boxing on points 21:15 to set up a semi-final clash with Grant Quigley of Scotland.

The Indian boxing team has now ensured returning home with at least two bronze medals with Rahul Poonia also having made it to the semi-finals in the light weight division.

Meanwhile, Sumit Sangwan's campaign at the Youth Commonwealth Games came to an abrupt end after he ended up on the losing side in his quarterfinal bout. A current national champion and a silver medallist at last year's Asian Youth Men's Boxing Championship, Sumit was up against Jack Massey of England.

Playing in the light heavy weight category, Sumit opened strongly and was matching the English boxer punch for punch. But in the Massey took a crucial lead of two points and even as the Indian tried hard to get back into the game, he fell short. He lost 13:15 on points.