Boxer Nishant Dev stands on the brink of securing a Paris Olympic quota after a commanding victory over Christos Karaitis of Greece in the pre-quarterfinals of the first World Olympic Boxing Qualifier in Busto Arsizio, Italy.
The 23-year-old, who clinched the featherweight bronze at the World Championships last year, showcased his exceptional form by defeating Karaitis with a resounding 5-0 unanimous decision on Sunday, moving him into the 71kg quarterfinals.
With the tournament offering four quota places in the men's 71kg category, Dev's advancement places him on the cusp of Olympic qualification.
A win in the quarterfinals on Monday would secure his passage to the Paris Games, marking a significant achievement for India and securing the nation's fifth Olympic quota for 2024, and the first in men's boxing.
However, Dev faces a formidable challenge in his next bout against Omari Jones of the USA, the silver medallist from the 2021 World Championships.
Of the nine-member Indian contingent, Dev remains the sole contender for an Olympic quota, as others, including Deepak Bhoria (51kg) and Mohammed Hussamudin (57kg), were eliminated after their opening matches.
Earlier, Nikhat Zareen (50kg), Preeti Pawar (54kg), Parveen Hooda (57kg), and Lovlina Borgohain (75kg) secured Paris quotas at the Asian Games last year.
The remaining Indian boxers will get a final chance to seal their passage to Paris during the second World Olympic Boxing Qualifier, scheduled to be held in Bangkok from May 23 to June 3.
Between 45 and 51 boxers will qualify for the Bangkok meet.
India had nine boxers competing in the Tokyo Olympics, with Borgohain winning the only medal, a bronze. The Boxing Federation of India will hope to match the number, if not increase it.
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