Dushanbe, Tajikistan, March 13, 2024: Tajikistan boxer Bakhodur Usmonov has qualified for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, his second Olympics following Tokyo 2020.
Lightweight Usmonov was among 28 men and 21 women who won quotas for the Paris Games at the first boxing world qualifier in Busto Arsizio, Italy from March 3-11.
Usmonov, the 2023 world championships bronze medallist, defeated Japan’s Shion Nishiyama by a split decision to secure the quota for Paris.
Close to 600 boxers, men and women, from 112 countries, as well as the refugee team, took part in the world qualifier in Italy.
Boxers have one final opportunity to keep their Olympic dream alive at the second and final World qualifier, which takes place in Bangkok, Thailand from May 26 – June 2.
While Usmonov was the only boxer from Tajikistan to earn an Olympic quota for Paris 2024, neighbouring Asian countries Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan led the way with five quotas each.
Among them was Tokyo 2020 bronze medallist and 2021 world champion Saken Bibossinov of Kazakhstan, and compatriot Makhmud Sabyrkhan, the 2023 world champion.
In the women’s competition, Tokyo 2020 silver medallist Nesthy Petecio of the Philippines and compatriot Aira Villegas qualified.
A total of 18 boxers from Asia – 12 men and 6 women – won Paris 2024 quotas.
Full list of Asian boxers who won Paris 2024 quotas
Men
51kg: Saken Bibossinov (Kazakhstan), Shukur Ovezov (Turkmenistan).
57kg: Makhmud Sabyrkhan (Kaz).
63.5kg: Bakhodur Usmonov (Tajikistan), Ruslan Abdullaev (Uzbekistan), Obada Alkasbeh (Jordan).
71kg: Aslanbek Shymbergenov (Kaz), Asadkhuja Muydinkhujaev (Uzb).
80kg: Turabek Khabibullaev (Uzb), Nurbek Oralbay (Kaz).
92kg: Lazizbek Mullojonov (Uzb), Aibek Oralbay (Kaz).
Women
50kg: Aira Villegas (Philippines), Sabina Bobokulova (Uzb).
54kg: Jutamas Jitpong (Thailand), Thi Kim Anh Vo (Vietnam).
57kg: Nesthy Petecio (Phi).
66kg: Chen Nien Chin (Chinese Taipei).
