Olympic Boxing: Jai Bhagwan squanders first round lead to crash out of London Games

The story of India’s disappointments continued as Jai Bhagwan crashed out of the round of 16 bout against Gani Zhailauov of Kazakhstan in the Men’s Light weight category (60 kg) at the London Olympics. Jai Bhagwan squandered a first round lead to fall apart to a 16-8 loss to his Kazak opponent.

In the first round, Jai Bhagwan came out charging from the blue corner and attacked Zhailauov. The fifth seed Kazak boxer took his time to settle in and  the Indian boxer took advantage to gain a 3-2 lead. Jai Bhagwan showed a good mix of caution and aggression and looked all set to win his bout.

The second round, however, saw Zhailauov at his best. The Kazak boxer showed swift footwork and fast hands and left Jai Bhagwan to the ropes. The game was sealed in this round as Jai Bhagwan looked helpless in front of the Kazak. The 27 year old Indian tried to counter attack but the Kazak took advantage of Bhagwan’s loose defence to hurt him more. Both boxers threw a flurry of punches but it was the Kazak who landed the most with the Indian missing his. Jai Bhagwan was docked points as he received a warning from the referee for using his shoulder on his opponent. Zhailauov dominated the round and raced to a whooping lead of 12-6.

The third round was do or die for the Indian boxer and he came out firing from his corner. Jai Bhagwan tried to get inside Zhailauov’s body but the Kazak was up to the task with superior technique and footwork. Jai Bhagwan looked tired and ran out of steam as the round progressed and Zhailauov took the opportunity to land the final blows. The last minute saw the Kazak toying with Bhagwan as the Indian was left completely clueless in front of his much superior opponent. Jai Bhagwan finally conceded the round and the match with a score of 16-8.

In the last game, Jai Bhagwan had an easy outing and outclassed his Seychelles’ opponent Andrique Allisop 18-8 but looked completely a different boxer against Gani Zhailauov. Gani Zhailauov defeated Saylom Ardee of Thailand owing to the judges’ decision after their bout ended 12-12.

The exit from Jai Bhagwan leaves only four Indian boxers Vijender Singh, Vikas Krishan, Devendro Singh and Manoj Kumar to bring back a medal from London.