India boxer Sumit Kundu (75kg) upstaged World Championship silver-medallist Dzhambulat Bizhamov of Russia to enter the second round but three other Indians lost their opening bouts in the 73rd Strandja Memorial Tournament in Sofia, Bulgaria.
Competing in only his second senior international tournament, reigning national champion Sumit prevailed 5-0 over his opponent on Sunday to set up a clash with Ukraine’s Oleksandr Khyzhniak.
However, Narender Berwal (+92kg), Varinder Singh (60kg) and Lakshya Chahar (86kg) lost their opening round clashes.
Narender went down 2-3 to Spain’s Ayoub Ghadfa Drissi while Varinder and Chahar lost to Russians Artur Subkhankulov and Sharabutdin Ataev by 5-0 and 4-1 margins, respectively.
Nikhat Zareenhas received a bye in the 52kg opening round. A 17-member Indian contingentis participating at the tournament.