New Delhi, July 29 (IANS) India's Naveen Kumar (50 kg) entered the finals of the second AIBA Junior World Boxing Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan, defeating Russian Dzabrail Vizirkhanov.
However, compatriot Sandeep Kumar's (57 kg) campaign came to an end at the hands of Aliyor Noraliev of Uzbekistan. While Sandeep will have to make do with a bronze medal, Naveen is assured of at least a silver.
Playing in the flyweight division, Naveen beat Muradov Malik of Azerbaijan in the round of eight.
He plays Pat McCormack of England in the final Saturday.
"Naveen has been inspiring throughout the tournament, his technique and strength have been exceptional and we believe he will come good in the finals as well," manager of the Indian team C.K.Jerath said.
In the feather weight division, Sandeep lost to Noraliev of Uzbekistan 10:4.