Nanao, Dilbagh win silver in Russia

Thokchom Nanao Singh (49kg) and Dilbagh Singh (69kg) had to be content with silver medals after losing their final bouts at the Khabarovsk International competition in Khabarovsk, Russia, on Monday, even as Indian pugilists finished with five medals.

Nanao, the reigning national champion, was up against local lad Sagaluev Bator in the title round. The home favourite had a technique like Nanao’s and both the boxers were evenly matched. But the Russian held the edge with his precise attacks.

The 22-year-old Indian tried hard to reduce the margin, but Sagaluev kept nicking crucial points to maintain the advantage.

In the end, Nanao lost 8-12 and settled for a silver in the light-flyweight division.

Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Dilbagh had a bad day at office and was out of sorts against Kozhabekov Bakytzhan of Kazakhstan.

He too had to rest content with a silver medal, beaten 3-9 in the final bout.

Earlier, Sunil Kumar (52kg), Shiva Thapa (56kg) and Satish Kumar (+91kg) reached the semi-final stage of the tournament and bagged bronze medals in their respective weight categories.

Image: Nanao Singh (left)