Olympics-bound Indian boxer Devendro Singh (49kg) had to be content with a silver medal at the International Republic of Kazakhstan President's Cup after losing in the final in Almaty.
The 20-year-old, who beat Olympian and 2010 Asian Games silver-medallist Birzhan Zakipov in the semifinals, was up against Cuba's top light flyweight boxer and a bronze medal winner at the 2010 Youth World boxing championships — Yosvany Veitia — in the title clash.
He started well keeping pace with his opponent and after the opening three minutes of play, the scores were tied 4-4.
But with the beginning of the second round, Veitia, with his sound defence and precise combinations, took the game away from the Indian.
Devendro attacked vigorously in the final round but could not penetrate Veitia's guard as much as he would have liked. In the end he lost the bout on points 11-15.
Chief National coach Gurbax Singh Sandhu, who is accompanying the team, said, “Devendro did well to reach the finals, he beat some good and experienced boxers along the way. Winning medals is an added incentive and motivation."
Earlier, Asian Games silver medallist Manpreet Singh (91kg) and debutant Kanwar Preet Singh (+91kg) had to settle for bronze medals after losing out in the semifinals of their respective weight categories. — PTI
