Hit Squad boxer Christine Ongare has said she will be eyeing an Olympic qualification when she steps into the ring at this year's IBA World Women's Boxing Championships in New Delhi, India.
Ongare believes she still possesses the mojo to replicate her previous feat where she breezed through the requirements to make the Kenyan quartet that graced the Tokyo 2020 Olympics Games.
The cruiserweight fighter who plies her trade for the National Police Service in the local league is among the most seasoned pugilists flying the country's flag in India.
"I think that if I put more effort and focus into it, I can still succeed. There are no obstacles. Nothing can stop me from succeeding now if I did it then " Ongare stated.
"New Delhi will unquestionably provide the ideal platform for qualifying directly for the Olympics, and I don't see why we should blow such a fantastic opportunity," said the author.
At the championships, Ongare said she will be trying to accomplish two goals at once, and she has her sights set on a medal that has historically proven elusive.
"I want to win a medal for Kenya at the World Championships in addition to competing for an Olympic berth," she said.
"Besides fighting for an Olympic berth, I also want to win a medal for Kenya at the World Championships," she asserted.
The World Boxing Championships in New Delhi and Tashkent will serve as the primary qualifying tournaments for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, according to the International Boxing Association (IBA).
The world governing body brought the development to light during a meeting held in Lausanne, Switzerland last month.
On April 1, 2022, the IOC Executive Board approved the IBA Olympic Qualification System (OQS).
IBA applauded the decision, saying the system was fair, transparent, easily accessible, and based on athlete performance at IBA events.
"With less than 18 months to Paris 2024 and numerous delays on a clear International Olympic Committee (IOC) process being announced for Paris 2024 qualification, the IBA has taken upon itself as the international governing body of boxing to provide a clear process and pathway for its athletes to qualify for Paris 2024."
IBA reaffirmed its dedication to supplying clarity for its participants, coaches, and technical officials as they get ready for the biggest boxing event of 2024.
"The announcement of the IBA OQS for Paris 2024, is a necessary step to protect our athletes as the IOC proposed qualification process consisting of one competition is not acceptable and fair for the athletes."
The IBA OQS decision was unanimously taken by National Federations at the IBA Ordinary Congress in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
