Pooja got the better of Poland\u2019s Emilia Koterska 3:2 in the women's 80kg quarterfinals, while Jaismine dominated under-22 Asian champion Mamajonova Khumorabonu of Uzbekistan 5:0 to reach the women\u2019s 57kg semifinal.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
India has fielded a 20-member contingent at the inaugural World Championships being held under the aegis of the World Boxing \u2013 a recently formed international governing body for boxing \u2013 and is hoping for a good showing in both men and women events.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
World Boxing Cup Astana gold medallist Nupur was the first Indian to be assured of a medal when she reached the women\u2019s 80+ kg quarterfinals on Wednesday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Two more Indian boxes \u2014 Meenakshi (women\u2019s 48kg) and Jadumani Singh Mandengbam (men\u2019s 50kg) \u2014 are a win away from assuring themselves a medal and will be playing their quarterfinals on Friday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
In a keenly contested women\u2019s 80kg bout, Pooja banked on her experience to tackle the speed and energy of her much younger opponent.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Polish boxer was slightly ahead in the contest after the opening round but Pooja Rani dominated the second round to take control and then maintained a cautious game plan to assure herself a semifinal berth.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
In the women's 57kg contest, Jaismine did not allow the Uzbek boxer to settle down in the first round itself and maintained that advantage throughout the three rounds.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
However, it was end of the road for former world champion Nikhat Zareen and World Boxing Cup silver medallist Abhinash Jamwal.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
In the women's 57kg contest, Jaismine did not allow the Uzbek boxer to settle down in the first round itself and maintained that advantage throughout the three rounds.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Later, Jamwal went down 1:4 against Paris Olympics bronze medallist Guruli Lasha of Georgia in the men\u2019s 65kg quarterfinals.<\/p>\r\n\r\n