Master Punch: Indian Boxer Amit Panghal Ranked World No 1 Ahead Of Tokyo Olympics

In a massive boost for the Indian contingent which will be partaking in the upcoming Tokyo Olympics, boxer Amit Panghal's was yesterday (26 June) ranked the World No.1 in men's flyweight (52 kilograms) category by the International Olympics Committee (IOC)'s Boxing task Force (BTF), reports Times of India.

Of the nine Indian boxers who will be participating in Tokyo Olympics, Panghal is the only one to have received the top billing by the BTF. He is already the reigning Asian Games champion and a silver-medallist in World Championships.

It should be noted that the positive news comes just 27 days ahead of the actual games in Tokyo which will be held from 24 July to 8 August.

The development also gains significance as the top billing will help Panghal in securing a favourable draw at the games where he will be unlikely to face any strong challenge before the quarterfinal bout. The top eight ranked boxers would not clash at the games before the quarterfinals.

It should be noted that in the last 15 months, this is the second time that Panghal has been ranked the World number 1.