L Sarita Devi knocked out of Women's World Boxing Championships

The fourth-seeded Indian, who got a first-round bye, had no answer to the Russian's sheer tenacity as she bowed out of the tournament with a 0-5 loss.

Ulan-Ude(Russia): India suffered a major blow at the Women's World Boxing Championships on Sunday as country's one of the biggest medal hopes boxer L Sarita Devi (60kg) was knocked out of the marquee event by Russia's Natalia Shadrina in the round of 32.

The fourth-seeded Indian, who got a first-round bye, had no answer to the Russian's sheer tenacity as she bowed out of the tournament with a 0-5 loss.

Sarita, a gold-medallist in the 2006 New Delhi edition of the showpiece, was chasing her maiden world medal in over a decade.

The Manipuri, who is also a multiple-time Asian champion, was in control in the opening three minutes, logging more punches against a seemingly withdrawn opponent.

However, Shadrina fought back in the next two rounds and surprised Sarita to get the judges' nod.

Sarita is also in the running to become a member of the International Boxing Association's first-ever athletes commission, which will be formalised at the ongoing event.

Saweety Boora (75kg) and Jamuna Boro (54kg) are the two Indians to have advanced to the pre-quarters so far after winning their opening bouts.