Nikhat Zareen of India won the gold medal in the 52kg division at the Women’s World Boxing Championships in Istanbul, Turkey on Thursday, defeating Thailand’s Jitpong Jutamas in the flyweight final. Nikhat is thus the sixth Indian woman to win a gold medal at the World Championships, joining Mary Kom, Sarita Devi, Jenny RL, and Lekha KC. Zareen, 25, is a former junior world champion. Nikhat defeated her Thai opponent in the final and won the gold medal. The Indians won 30-27, 29-28, 30-27, 29-28, 30-27, 29-28.
Zareen was in terrific form, deceiving her quick-footed opponent with her technical prowess and excellent court coverage. Nikhat impressed all three judges in the first round by landing far more blows than the Thai fighter. Jinping won the second round, which was more contested, 3-2. In the final round, with just one judge on her side, Nikhat went all in and slammed the door in her opponent’s face, eventually earning a 5-0 unanimous decision.
The Nizamabad (Telangana)-born fighter became the only fifth Indian woman to win gold in the World Boxing Championships, following record six-time champion Mary Kom (2002, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2010, and 2018), Sarita Devi (2006), Jenny RL (2006), and Lekha KC (2006). (2006).
It was also India’s first gold medal since boxing legend Mary Kom won it in 2018.
Nikhat got off to a quick start, delivering some hard punches in the first three minutes against Jutamas, who had upset Kazakhstan’s Zhaina Shekerbekova, a three-time World Championships medalist.
The 25-year-old Indian used her long reach to retain her domination over the Thai boxer, whom she had defeated in their only meeting in the 2019 Thailand Open semi-final en way to a silver medal finish.
In the second round, Jutamas attempted a comeback with a counter-attacking show, but he was unable to trouble the quick-moving Nikhat, who appeared to be in complete control.
Nikhat’s strength proved crucial as he threw caution to the wind in the last round and proceeded to assault fiercely before earning gold with easy ease.
“A World Championship medal is always a goal, and Nikhat’s achievement so early in his career is exceptional. At BFI, we are happy that our boxers have not only made us proud but that their boxing experiences have inspired future generations “According to Ajay Singh, President of the BFI.
“I congratulate Nikhat, the bronze medalists Parveen and Manisha, as well as the coaches and support personnel, on their outstanding performances on behalf of the Boxing Federation of India. Our eight boxers advanced to the quarter-finals, tying for the most and demonstrating the strength of Indian boxing “He said.
The Indian contingent finished with three medals at the world’s biggest boxing event, which featured thrilling competition in the presence of a record 310 boxers from 73 countries and also marked the 20th anniversary of the Women’s World Championships, with bronze medals for Manisha (57kg) and Parveen (63kg) in the semi-finals.
Eight Indian boxers advanced to the quarter-finals this year, tying Turkey for the most.
India has owned 39 medals from the 12 editions of the famous event, including 10 gold, eight silver, and 21 bronze (50).
Also Read: Madhavan tells fascinating stories about outstanding leaders in science and technology.
