2023 Women’s World Boxing Championships: Nikhat, Lovlina, Nitu enter semifinals

2023 Women's World Boxing Championships: Nikhat, Lovlina, Nitu enter semifinals

At the women’s world boxing championships in New Delhi, three Indian boxers secured their spots in the semifinals, including Nikhat Zareen, who is the reigning world champion. Lovlina Borgohain, who won an Olympic bronze medal, also confirmed a semifinal spot. Nitu Ganghas and Saweety Boora continued India’s strong run through the tournament, and all four boxers are now guaranteed at least a bronze medal.

Nikhat defeated Thailand’s Chuthamat Raksat 5-2, while Saweety beat Belarus’ Viktoriya Kebikava 5-0 in her first match of the tournament. Lovlina beat Adosinda Rady Gramane of Mozambique 5-0. Nitu, meanwhile, won another fight by RSC (Referee stopped contest) after dominating her bout against Japan’s Madoka Wada.

In the semifinals, Nikhat will face Rio Olympics bronze medallist Ingrit Valencia of Colombia, and Nitu will face reigning Asian champion and last year’s World Championships silver medallist Alua Balkibekova of Kazakhstan in a rematch of last year’s World Championships quarterfinals.

However, not all Indian boxers advanced to the semifinals. Sakshi Chaudhary lost to Yu Wu of China in the 52kg quarterfinals, and Manisha Moun, who won a bronze medal at the 2022 Worlds, lost to Amina Zidani of France in the 57kg quarterfinals. In the evening session, Jaismine lost to Colombia’s Paolo Valdez 0-5 while Nupur lost to Lazzat Kungeibayeva of Kazakhstan 4-3 in the 81+kg category.

Nikhat expressed her happiness at winning the match and confirming a medal for her country, but also acknowledged the challenge of facing a tough opponent in the semifinals. Lovlina emphasized the importance of winning a medal and her desire to change its color, while Nitu shared her strategy and mentality for the tournament. Saweety spoke about the challenges of her match against a strong opponent and her determination to improve in the next bout.

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Photo by: reuters

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