Indian boxer Gaurav Solanki failed for a second time to qualify for the Youth Olympics after losing in a box-off today, but will have another shot at notching up a quota place on April 24 in the ongoing World Youth Championships in Sofia, Bulgaria.
Solanki lost to home favourite Daniel Asenov 0-3 in the first box off for the Youth Olympics quota place today.
The Indian had initially lost in the quarterfinal of the ongoing Championships, where the boxers have to make at least the semifinals to get direct qualification for the Youth Olympics.
Two quota places are being decided by box offs between four losing quarterfinalists. It is Solanki's good luck that only three of the four in his category turned up for the mandatory weigh-in this morning.
Owing to today's situation, the Indian will get to fight it out once again for a place in the Youth Olympics, scheduled to be held in Nanjing, China from August 16 to 28.
Solanki will face Brazil's Carlos Silva, who was lucky to get a bye in the box off draw this morning.
"It was a tough bout for Solanki but he fought well. It is obviously disappointing but he still has another chance of making the Youth Olympics," the team's coach Ramanand told PTI from Sofia.
India's only medal hope in the event is Shyam Kakara (49kg), who booked a ticket to the Youth Olympics by entering the semifinals yesterday.
Shyam, who defeated Venezuela's Yoel Finol 2-1 in a thrilling contest, will face Kazakhstan's Shalkar Aikhynbay in the last-four stage tomorrow.
The Indians are competing under the International Boxing Association (AIBA) flag due to the termination following the federation's failure to comply with the world body's directives on holding elections.
