Tullamore's Gráinne Walsh has her arm raised in victory after defeating her Vietnamese opponent in her opening bout at the Olympic qualification tournament in Bangkok, Thailand, today. Photo: Joseph Walsh.

Gráinne Walsh up and running with first Olympic qualifier win in Thailand

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The dream of making this summer's Olympic Games remains alive for Offaly's Gráinne Walsh, who won her opening bout today (Friday) at the final boxing qualification tournament before the games in Paris.

The 28-year-old Tullamore woman defeated Vietnam's Ngoc Mai Hoang on a 5-0 unanimous decision at lunchtime (Irish time).

This was a vital first step towards qualification for Gráinne, who must win another three bouts at the tournament in order to become an Olympian.

She will now have a few days to recover before her next bout, which will be on Wednesday next against South Korea's Hyo Sun Hwang, who received a bye through the first round stage.

The Irish Athletic Boxing Association posted this video of the decision being announced after today's contest:

If Gráinne wins on Wednesday next she will be in action again next Friday, when a win would put her through to the decisive qualification bout on Sunday, June 2.

Adrian Cusack
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