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India's medal count at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games is set to drop by one after boxer Parveen Hooda was suspended for 22 months for whereabouts failure. Hooda, who won a bronze medal in the women's 57kg weight class, has been stripped of her medal and her results from December 11, 2022, to May 17, 2024, have been disqualified.The suspension stems from Hooda's failure to file her whereabouts three times within a twelve-month period, a violation of the International Boxing Association's anti-doping rules. The International Testing Agency (ITA), which is responsible for results management, handed down the suspension earlier this month.The suspension is a major blow to Hooda, who had earned an Olympic quota for the 2024 Paris Games with her bronze medal performance at the Asian Games. The quota has now been surrendered, and Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Jaismine Lamboria will fight for the 57kg quota in the final Olympic qualifier, starting in Bangkok on Friday.The suspension is also an embarrassment for Indian boxing, which has been plagued by a series of controversies in recent years. In 2021, the International Boxing Association (IBA) suspended the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) for alleged mismanagement and corruption. The suspension was lifted in September 2022, but the BFI remains under scrutiny.Despite the suspension, India's overall medal count at the 2023 Asian Games will remain at 106, which is good enough for fourth place in the overall medal rankings.

Tyson Fury's Undefeated Reign Ends in Epic Clash with Oleksandr UsykIn a historic boxing showdown, Tyson Fury's undefeated record crumbled as he lost a split decision to Oleksandr Usyk in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The highly anticipated undisputed heavyweight clash saw Fury dominate the early rounds, but Usyk's relentless pressure and technical brilliance proved too much to overcome.Fury, known as the "Gypsy King," had been undefeated in 36 professional bouts and was aiming to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis in 1999. However, Usyk, the reigning IBF, WBA, and WBO titleholder, showcased his exceptional skills and nearly knocked Fury out in the ninth round.Despite the loss, Fury remained defiant, stating that he would consider a rematch with Usyk, which is tentatively scheduled for October. However, he also hinted at the possibility of retirement, acknowledging his age and the potential risks associated with continuing his boxing career."I'll have a holiday, go home, put it to the wife and kids I'll see what I want to do," Fury said. "I'm 36 in a few months. I've been boxing since I've been a child so it is what it is."Fury's future remains uncertain, but his legacy as one of the greatest heavyweights of all time is secure. His unpredictable nature and willingness to take on any challenge have made him a fan favorite, and his rivalry with Usyk is sure to continue to captivate the boxing world.

Jaismine Lamboria to Represent India in Olympic Boxing Qualifiers After Parveen Hooda's SuspensionIndia's hopes of fielding a full contingent of boxers at the Paris Olympics have suffered a setback with the suspension of Parveen Hooda, the quota holder in the women's 57kg category. As a result, Jaismine Lamboria will now compete in the second Olympic boxing qualifiers in Thailand, which begin on May 24.Hooda's suspension stems from three whereabouts failures in a 12-month period, a violation of World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) rules. The International Testing Agency (ITA) has imposed a 22-month suspension on the boxer, which has been backdated to Friday. This means Hooda will serve a 14-month suspension, effectively ending her Olympic hopes.Lamboria, who previously competed in the 60kg category, will now represent India in the 57kg division at the qualifiers. She has a strong track record, having won a bronze medal at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games and competing in the first Olympic qualifiers and the Hangzhou Asian Games last year.The loss of the 57kg quota is a significant blow to Indian boxing, which has already secured three Olympic quotas through Nikhat Zareen (50kg), Preeti (54kg), and Lovlina Borgohain (75kg). The Boxing Federation of India (BFI) expressed disappointment over Hooda's suspension, calling it an "unprecedented embarrassment."In boxing, Olympic quotas are awarded to countries, not individual athletes. Therefore, India has lost the quota in the 57kg category, and Lamboria will be competing for a new quota in Thailand.Lamboria's performance at the qualifiers will be crucial for India's hopes of fielding a strong boxing contingent at the Paris Olympics. The qualifiers will feature boxers from around the world, and only the top finishers in each weight category will earn Olympic berths.

India's Olympic medal hopes have suffered a significant setback with the provisional suspension of World Championships bronze medalist Parveen Hooda for Whereabouts Failure. The 26-year-old boxer has accumulated three such failures within a year, violating WADA regulations.Hooda's suspension, which carries a potential two-year ineligibility, has left the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) scrambling for solutions. The federation is in constant communication with the International Boxing Association (IBA) to explore options for reducing the sanction or overturning it altogether. However, there is no precedent for such a reversal.Even if the suspension is reduced to one year, Hooda will lose her Olympic quota in the 57kg category. The berth will likely be awarded to 60kg pugilist Jaismine Lamboria, who has been asked to prepare for the World Olympic Qualifiers in Bangkok.Hooda's coach, Sudhir Hooda, expressed disappointment and frustration, stating that repeated reminders about whereabouts updates were ignored. The BFI has remained tight-lipped on the issue, but secretary general Hemanta Kalita indicated that they are exploring all possible channels to mitigate the situation.Parveen's absence from the Elorda Cup in Kazakhstan, where she was initially listed, raised suspicions about her status. The Asian Games bronze medalist is currently at her home in Rohtak, Haryana.The Whereabouts Failure violation highlights the importance of athletes adhering to anti-doping regulations. Athletes in the Registered Testing Pool are required to provide accurate and timely information about their location to facilitate out-of-competition testing. Failure to do so can result in severe consequences, as Parveen has unfortunately discovered.

Parveen Hooda, one of India's four Olympic-bound boxers, is embracing the final stretch of her preparation for the Paris Games. Despite the sacrifices and challenges, she remains focused on her dream of Olympic glory.Hooda's journey to the Olympics has been marked by steady progress and unwavering determination. From her breakthrough victory over Sarita Devi in 2019 to her recent medal-winning performances at the World Championships, Asian Championships, and Asian Games, she has consistently proven her mettle.The 24-year-old boxer has identified the need to enhance her technical skills in preparation for Paris. She has expanded her repertoire beyond her signature counterattacking style, improving her ability to initiate attacks and fight effectively at all ranges.Hooda's transformation has also extended to her mental fortitude. She has worked diligently with a psychologist to strengthen her mental resilience, recognizing the importance of handling pressure in the high-stakes environment of the Olympics.Despite the intense training and sacrifices, Hooda remains grounded and focused on her ultimate goal. She has limited her phone usage, minimized social interactions, and adopted a strict diet to maintain her weight.Hooda's unwavering determination and belief in her abilities have been instrumental in her success. She is confident in her ability to perform well in Paris, knowing that she has overcome numerous challenges and gained invaluable experience along the way.

Nikhat Zareen, India's two-time world champion boxer, is preparing for her long-awaited Olympic debut in Paris with a unique approach. As the Games draw near, she has adopted an "energy-saving mode" to ensure a calm and focused mindset.Zareen, a medal favorite in the 50kg category, believes that activities like social media detox, solitude, and indulging in sweets on cheat days are essential for her mental well-being. She has also found solace in binge-watching Netflix's "Heeramandi.""The feeling of being an Olympian hasn't sunk in yet," Zareen said. "But as days pass, the nervousness increases. I train my brain to focus on a good performance."The 27-year-old from Hyderabad has a remarkable track record, including a junior world championship and consecutive senior world titles in 2022 and 2023. Her undefeated 2022 season has fueled her hopes for a similar peak in Paris.Zareen acknowledges the pressure that comes with competition. "Every competition brings nervousness," she said. "You have expectations from yourself and others. I cope with it by working hard, staying focused, and having a calm mind."Her energy-saving mode includes limiting social interactions, indulging in her sweet tooth, and engaging in activities that bring her joy. "I listen to music, watch movies, and do grocery shopping," she said. "It helps me stay calm."Zareen's journey to the Olympics has been marked by both triumph and disappointment. She narrowly missed out on qualifying for Tokyo 2020, but her determination remained unwavering. "The setback made me resolute," she said. "Qualifying for Paris was a dream come true."While training is crucial, Zareen emphasizes the importance of mental preparation in boxing. "It's a lonely sport," she said. "You have to fight your battles alone in the ring."She finds solace in the fact that women's boxing is now gaining recognition and financial rewards. "Mary Kom's Olympic medal in 2012 inspired me," she said. "The rewards for international performances are motivating people to succeed."Despite the uncertainty surrounding boxing's Olympic status, Zareen remains hopeful. "I believe boxing will stay in the Olympics," she said. "I'm confident that IOC and IBA will find a solution."

American boxer Ryan Garcia's stunning victory over Devin Haney last month has been marred by allegations of doping. ESPN reported that Garcia tested positive for the banned substance Ostarine on the day before and the morning of the April 20 bout. The report also suggests that Garcia may have tested positive for another banned substance, 19-norandrosterone, although this result is unconfirmed.Ostarine is a performance-enhancing drug used to prevent muscle loss and improve lean body mass. It is commonly used in the treatment of women with breast cancer. Garcia's positive test results have raised questions about the legitimacy of his victory over Haney, who retained his WBC super-lightweight title.Garcia has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, claiming that the allegations are "fake news." He has suggested that a tainted herbal supplement may be responsible for the positive test result. However, the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA), which oversees drug-testing in boxing and mixed martial arts, has confirmed the authenticity of the test results.The allegations against Garcia have sent shockwaves through the boxing world. If proven true, they could result in Garcia facing a lengthy suspension and potentially losing his victory over Haney. The incident has also raised concerns about the prevalence of doping in boxing and the need for stricter drug-testing measures.Garcia's case is a reminder that even the most talented athletes are not immune to the temptation of using performance-enhancing drugs. It is essential for boxing authorities to continue to crack down on doping and ensure that the sport remains fair and competitive.

Indian boxers Aryan, Yashwardhan Singh, Priyanshu, and Sahil have stormed into the semifinals of the Asian U-22 & Youth Boxing Championships 2024 in Astana, Kazakhstan.Aryan kicked off India's campaign with a dominant 5-0 unanimous decision victory over Uzbekistan's Juraev Shakarboy in the 51kg category. Yashwardhan (63.5kg) displayed resilience, overcoming an early setback to secure a 4-1 win against Iran's Mirahmadi Babaheidari.Priyanshu (71kg) and Sahil (80kg) made light work of their opponents, securing referee stop the contest (RSC) victories against Chinese Taipei's Wu Yu En and Turkmenistan's Yklymov Abdyrahma, respectively.However, Jatin's journey in the 57kg category came to an end with a 1-4 loss to Uzbekistan's A Nodirbek.In the youth category, Aryan (92kg), Nisha (52kg), Akansha Phalaswal (70kg), and Rudrika (75kg) will compete in their respective quarterfinal bouts later today.On Tuesday, Jugnoo (86kg), Tammana (50kg), and Preeti (54kg) secured victories to advance to the U-22 semifinals.On Thursday, eight U-22 pugilists will take the ring for their quarterfinal bouts: M Jadumani Singh (51kg), Ashish (54kg), Nikhil (57kg), Ajay Kumar (63.5kg), Ankush (71kg), and Dhruv Singh (80kg) in the men's category, while Guddi (48kg) and Poonam (57kg) will represent India in the women's section.The finals for the youth and U-22 categories will be held on May 6 and 7, respectively.

Amit Panghal, India's star boxer, endured a tumultuous two-year absence from the national team due to a controversial evaluation system. The system, implemented by former High Performance Director Bernard Dunne, favored Deepak Bhoria over Panghal, despite Panghal's impressive track record.Panghal's exclusion took a heavy toll on his mental and physical well-being. He lost motivation, struggled to maintain weight, and even contemplated depression. However, his unwavering determination to qualify for the Paris Olympics kept him going.With Dunne's departure, Panghal's fortunes changed. He returned to the national team and regained his top spot in the flyweight category. A gold medal at the Strandja Memorial tournament boosted his confidence.Panghal will have his final chance to qualify for Paris at the World Qualifying Tournament in Bangkok. He faces a tough challenge, but he is confident in his abilities. He has been preparing diligently, studying his opponents, and working on his technique and endurance.Panghal's journey has been marked by adversity and resilience. Despite the setbacks, he has remained focused on his Olympic dream. With the support of his coach and childhood friends, he is determined to make up for lost time and secure a place in Paris.