Nikhat Zareen, Nitu Ghanghas Assure Silver Medals With Wins in Semifinal Bouts

Ace India boxer Nikhat Zareen reached the final of Women’s World Boxing Championships final with a 5-0 win over Colombia’s Ingrit Valencia in the 50kg category on Thursday in New Delhi. It was a dominant show from the Indian pugilist as she stamped her authority over the Colombian star to assure a silver medal.

Reigning champion Nikhat used her speed and tactical acumen to see off Valencia and continue the defence of her title.

Meanwhile, Commonwealth Games champion Nitu Ghanghas (48kg) also advanced to the final with a 5-2 win over Alua Balkibekova of Kazakhstan on Thursday.

In the rematch of last year’s quarterfinals, Nitu and Balkibekova went all guns blazing in the first round. However, the Kazakh was more dominant and took the round 2-3.

In the second round, Nitu came out strongly, landing hooks and jabs.

Both boxers resorted to body blows and clinching with Nitu ending on top.

The final three minutes were a tense affair with Nitu getting the better of Balkibekova, forcing a bout review.

Later in the day, Lovlina Borgohain will take to the ring for a high profile clash against the 2018 World Champion and two-time Olympics medallist Li Qian of China in the semi-finals.

“The coaches had told me how to play today and it worked successfully as I was able to fight well. I feel comfortable in this weight category and I have adapted to it well with my performances in competitions going well. Today’s medal is very important for me but I don’t want to settle for bronze as it is going to be crucial for the upcoming Asian Games as well,” said Lovlina after the quarterfinals bout.

Having secured four medals, India have bettered their record from the previous World Championships edition where they had clinched three medals.

Meanwhile, the two-time World Youth champion Sakshi Chaudhary (52kg), the 2022 World Championships bronze medallists Manisha Moun (57kg) and Jaismine Lamboria (60kg) as well as Nupur Sheoran (+81kg) went down fighting in the quarter finals despite their best efforts.

With Agency Inputs

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