Pooja Rani loses in the quarterfinals of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

Tokyo: On a thoroughly disappointing day for Indian boxing, Pooja Rani (75kg) joined world number one Amit Panghal (52kg) in withdrawing from the Olympic Games after losing 0-5 to China’s Li Qian in the quarterfinals here on Saturday.

Qian, a former world champion and Rio Olympics bronze medalist, outpunched Rani with a clinical performance that literally took away her belief.

Panghal had bowed out with a stunning 1-4 loss to Rio Games silver medalist Yuberjen Martinez in a draining pre-quarterfinal match, beaten by the Colombian’s relentless attacks and pace.

Rani appeared clueless in the ring after displaying some zeal in the first round. Every time the debutant Indian tried to launch an offensive, Qian was ruthless in her counter-hitting, striking straight and clean to assert her dominance.

Rani’s fragile defence was easily penetrated by the top-class Chinese boxer, who is now assured of her second Olympic medal.

Earlier, Panghal, who was also making his Games debut and was seeded first, faded after a promising start.