Wu Yu (R) of China competes during the women's 50kg category boxing competition at the Hangzhou Asian Games on Sept. 29, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhan Yan)
World champion boxer Wu Yu has secured an Olympic spot at the Hangzhou Asian Games.
HANGZHOU, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- World champion Wu Yu of China obtained a berth at the 2024 Paris Olympics by reaching the last four of the women's 50kg category boxing competition at the Hangzhou Asian Games on Friday.
Wu defeated Sabina Bobokulova of Uzbekistan 5-0, which assured herself not only an Asian Games medal but also a berth at Paris 2024.
"I really enjoyed fighting in front of the home spectators, as their cheers offered me infinite power," said Wu.
China's Tuohetaerbieke Tanglatihan took sweet revenge on Nurbek Oralbay as he defeated the Kazak boxer in the round of 16 in men's 80kg division.
Tuohetaerbieke lost to Oralbay in the light heavyweight final of the IBA Boxing World Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan in May.
"It's very difficult today, but I'm happy I made it. Defeating a very strong opponent is a good start for me," said the 26-year-old Tuohetaerbieke.
Han Xuezhen (L) of China competes against Lazizbek Mullojonov of Uzbekistan during the quarterfinal of the men's 92kg categary boxing competition at the Hangzhou Asian Games onSept. 29, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhan Yan)
China's Han Xuezhen also progressed through to the semifinals in the men's 92kg division, after defeating Lazizbek Mullojonov of Uzbekistan.
"The opponent was very strong, and I felt quite nervous today. But the tension disappeared when I punched on the court. I believe I can win the championship this time, so I am not afraid of anyone," said Han.
Zhang Zhilei, who retained his WBO interim world heavyweight title last Saturday, came to cheer for the Chinese boxers. Zhang won the gold medal in the +91kg category at the Guangzhou Asiad 13 years ago.
"When cheering for them, the scene in Guangzhou just appeared on my mind," said Zhang.
Another Chinese boxer Xu Zichun lost to India's Parveen in the round of 16 in women's 57kg category. ■