Kathmandu, July 9:

Gopal Basnet of Jhapa defeated Nabin Nagarkoti of Guheswori Club in the men’s 48kg bout on the opening day of the second Junior Men and Women’s Open Boxing Tournament, organised by Nepal Boxing Association (NBA), here today.

Bishal Gurung of Nawalparasi beat Nabin Chawla of Bhaktapur to enter the second round in the men’s 54kg section. In other matches of the men’s 54kg section, Krishna Maharjan beat Sonam Lama; Satya Ram Koju overcame Sanjay Maharjan; Amri KC defeated Santosh Bhatta; Diwakar Oli saw off Nima Dorje; Anjil Maharjan dispatched Sunil Lama; Kiran Gashi outplayed Raj Kumar Rai; and Prajwol Parajuli beat Kriman Kumal.

Pratima Darshana defeated Sharmila Khadka and Mala Rai overcame Mira Rizal to make it to the second round of the women’s 48kg section. Earlier, NBA president Rabi Raj Thapa felicitated legendary Nepali boxer Suresh Singh Ale and Laxman Shumsher Thapa with Rs 5,000 each for their contribution for the development of boxing in the country.