After storming into the women\u2019s 70kg boxing semifinals and assuring India of at least a bronze medal, the Indian boxer disclosed that she had gained weight in the lead-up to the competition and had to shed nearly two kilograms in just a day to remain within her category.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI gained some weight for some reasons, but I reduced 2kg yesterday to maintain my weight. It was really tough,\u201d Arundhati told IANS after her quarterfinal victory.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The emotional boxer dedicated her medal to her younger brother and family, who stood by her throughout the difficult phase.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI want to dedicate this medal to my younger brother and my family,\u201d she said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Sending a message to aspiring athletes across the country, Arundhati added, \u201cMy message to the youngsters in India is that it is all your blessings that I am here today. I will win gold for India.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Earlier, Arundhati booked her place in the women\u2019s 70kg semifinals with a hard-fought 3-1 split-decision victory over Morgan Henderson (NZL).<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Indian pugilist displayed composure and tactical discipline throughout the three-round contest to edge past Henderson in a closely fought bout. Three judges scored all three rounds in Arundhati\u2019s favour (30-26), while one judge awarded the contest to the New Zealander 29-27. The fifth judge had the scores level at 28-28, but a one-point deduction against Henderson ultimately swung the result in the Indian\u2019s favour.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
With the victory, Arundhati has guaranteed herself at least a bronze medal, as both losing semifinalists in boxing receive bronze medals at the Commonwealth Games. She is now just one win away from entering the gold-medal bout.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Indian pugilist displayed composure and tactical discipline throughout the three-round contest to edge past Henderson in a closely fought bout. Three judges scored all three rounds in Arundhati\u2019s favour (30-26), while one judge awarded the contest to the New Zealander 29-27. The fifth judge had the scores level at 28-28, but a one-point deduction against Henderson ultimately swung the result in the Indian\u2019s favour.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
India\u2019s boxing contingent has continued its impressive run in Glasgow, with several pugilists advancing to the medal rounds, keeping the country\u2019s hopes of a rich haul alive.<\/p>\r\n\r\n