Ulan-Ude (Russia), Oct 14 (TIWN) Manju Rani's debut campaign in 48kg at the AIBA Women's World Boxing Championships 2019 ended with a silver medal and the Indian pugilists finished with a rich haul of four medals that also included three bronze.

The sixth-seeded Indian was unable to get in too many punches and the Russian seemed to have more power. There was very little separating Rani and her rival, both of whom looked to attack in the first round. The Russian stood out for her near perfect left hooks in the opening three minutes.  In the second round, the Indian connected some good straights and seemed to have the upperhand over the crowd favourite. 

The proceedings slowed down in the final three minutes when both the boxers adopted a cautious approach. There was quite a bit of holding, requiring the referee’s intervention quite a few times.  However, at the end of it the Russian emerged victorious perhaps for her a shade sharper reflexes. The Indian contingent was however visibly upset after the Paltceva’s hand was raised as the victor.