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What's the story?
The Indian contingent, set to represent the country at the boxing arena for the 2018 Commonwealth Games sprang a few surprises with World medallists Gaurav Bidhuri and Shiva Thapa failing to make the cut as the squad was announced ahead of the Commonwealth Games in April.
Veteran boxer MC Mary Kom retained her place in the lineup while India Open gold medallist Manish Kaushik earned a national call-up and will contest in the lightweight 60kg category.
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In case you didn't know
The 2018 Commonwealth Games, also known as the Gold Coast 2018 will be held in Queensland, Australia from 4th - 15th April 2018. 70 teams from various nations will be competing in 275 events from 18 sports this edition.
Heart of the Matter
In the 56kg category, Mohammed Hussamuddin, a bronze medallist from the Strandja Memorial Tournament will take his place in the squad while gold-medallist from the 49kg category at the Indian Open, Amit Panghal will also contest at the competitions.
Vikas Mishra, who was selected ahead of the famed Shiva Thapa has been pipped to make a huge mark in the competition, at the back of his gold medal victory at the Strandja Memorial Tournament.
MC Mary Kom (48kg category) will partner L Sarita Devi in the women's team, who will represent India in the 60kg category while Lovlina Borgohain has booked her spot in the team with impressive returns in the 69kg category.
In a surprising turn of events, trials will be held in the 91kg and 52kg category for the male boxers while the decision to neglect the 64kg and 81kg category has been taken to go parallel with the maximum size of the contingent.
In light of the upcoming competition, the last day for submitting the names of the athletes who will be a part of the squad has been declared as March 5th, 2018.
What's Next?
As the last date for the submission of names fast approaches, the trials will see some of the best athletes battling it out for a dream spot in the Commonwealth Games squad.
Author's Take
Boasting of a strong squad with the right mix of youth and experience, the Indian Boxing team will hold themselves in good stead ahead of the tournament.
