Commonwealth Games 2014: Sarita Devi reaches quarterfinals; Manoj Kumar, Sumit Sangwan ousted

Sarita Devi was impressive in her win over Kehinde Obareh

India’s L Sarita Devi got the better of Nigeria’s Kehinde Obareh to reach the quarterfinals of the women’s lightweight category (57-60 kg) of the boxing competition in Glasgow. The former world champion pugilist from Manipur asserted her supremacy in no uncertain terms outwitting her Nigerian opponent from round one and sustained it en route to progressing to the last-eight stage.

Another Indian women boxer Pooja Rani lost to England’s Savannah Marshall in the first round of the women’s lightweight category (69-75 kg). Pinki Jangra is another Indian women pugilist in the fray – she features in the fly weight category (48-51 kg).

Meanwhile, reigning champion Manoj Kumar bowed out of the competition losing to England’s Samuel Maxwell in the quarterfinals of the light welterweight category (64-kg). There was more bad news in the men’s camp as Sumit Sangwan went down to New Zealand’s David Nyika in the men light weight category (81 kg). Thus, India have three more boxers in the men’s fray – Devendro Singh (light weight category -49 kg), Mandeep Jangra (welterweight category- 69 kg) and Vijender Singh (middle weight category 75 kg).

Vijender and Devendro, if their current form is any indication, should be in line for a medal, while Mandeep can be a real surprise package.