Who is Preeti Pawar? All you need to know about the Indian boxer participating in Paris 2024 Olympics

Preeti Pawar, the 20-year-old boxer from Bhiwani, Haryana, has made a strong start at the Paris 2024 Olympics. She defeated Vietnam's Vo Thi Kim Anh to advance to the pre-quarterfinals of the women’s 54 kg event, sparking joy among Indian boxing fans.

Pawar's journey began in 2021 at the Youth World Boxing Championships in Kielce, Poland, where she won gold by defeating world champion Elina Bararova. This victory launched her into the international boxing scene.

Over the next few years, she continued to impress, earning bronze medals at the 2022 Asian Championships and the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games. These achievements helped her secure a world ranking of 26.

Her path to the Olympics was secured through her performance at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games. Pawar reached the semi-finals in the women's 54 kg category, defeating Kazakhstan’s Zhaina Shekerbekova in the quarterfinals. This victory earned her a spot in Paris.

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Preeti Pawar puts up an impressive show in Olympic debut against Vo Thi Kim Anh

In her Round of 32 match at the North Paris Arena, Preeti Pawar displayed her physical and mental strength. Despite a slow start against an aggressive opponent, she managed to outmanoeuvre Vo Thi Kim Anh.

Preeti did not have the best start to her match against her Vietnamese opponent. She appeared to be in deep danger. Vo won the opening round 3-2, following a split decision. But in the second round, she upped the ante and attacked her opponent with jabs and blows. This time, she received a unanimous judgment in her favor.

Next, Preeti Pawar will face Yeni Arias Castenada, the Colombian second seed and World Championships silver medalist, who also competed in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

This Round of 16 clash will test Pawar's skills and determination. A win would bring her closer to making history as only the third Indian female boxer to win an Olympic medal.