Host nation Jordan celebrates success in Asia and Oceania Olympic boxing qualifier

The Tokyo 2020 Asia and Oceania Road to Tokyo boxing qualifier, organised by the IOC Boxing Task Force and the Jordan Olympic Committee (JOC), concluded on Wednesday 11 March with the host nation securing a historic five Olympic qualification spots.

This is the most in any sport in Jordan’s Olympic history and brings Jordan’s Olympic qualifications for Tokyo 2020 to six, following Ibrahim Bisharat’s qualification in equestrian earlier this year. This is already the highest number of qualified athletes Jordan has ever had at an Olympic Games.

Zeyad Ishaish also became the first-ever Jordanian boxer to win a gold medal in a continental competition after receiving a walkover in the final of the men’s welterweight category. Mohammad Al-Wadi won a silver medal after he lost on points to number one seed and world champion Mirazizbek Mirzakhalilov from Uzbekistan. Obada Al-Kesbeh, Odai Al-Hindawi and Hussein Ishaish all received bronze medals after losing in the semi-finals.

A total of 63 athletes booked their spots at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Road to Tokyo qualifier.

JOC President HRH Prince Feisal Al Hussein said:

“It has been an honour to welcome 35 countries from Asia and Oceania to Jordan for what has been a truly memorable event. We have witnessed over 200 world-class athletes competing for the ultimate prize of a place at the Olympic Games. To secure five Olympic qualification spots at the end of this is a historic moment for Jordanian sport and we must use the success of these athletes to inspire the next generation of athletes in Jordan. We are very proud of the unity and collaboration that has made this event possible. Jordanian government entities, sponsors, the IOC Boxing Task Force, boxing officials, the JOC, the volunteers and the fans all played a key role in delivering this special event and I want to thank everyone involved.”