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- Published: March 16, 2023 17:25
New Delhi: Defending championship Nikhat Zareen started her 2023 Women’s World Boxing Championships campaign with a dominating victory. She beat Anakhanim Ismayilova to enter the second round in the 50 kg category. Nikhat had a start which was expected by the CWG gold medallist as she recorded a win by RSC (referee stops contest).
Nikhat had a fine start and she took round one to make herself comfortable in the ring. She came pouncing with combination punches against the Azerbaijan boxer in the second round when the referee had to give her opponent the ‘count’ thrice before stopping the contest.
Let the game begin ?@AjaySingh_SG l @debojo_m#itshertime #WWCHDelhi #WorldChampionships @IBA_Boxing @Media_SAI @nikhat_zareen @ASBC_official https://t.co/cJAk80c1sx pic.twitter.com/Cb5WD6Blti
— Boxing Federation (@BFI_official) March 16, 2023
The Indian boxer will now face the top seed and the 2022 African champion Roumaysa Boualam in the next round.
Post-match, talking about her win, she said that she is happy that India’s campaign started with her win. She added that she had boxed Anakhanim Ismayilova before and had plans to beat her. On being unseeded in the tournament, Zareen said that it is not a problem and that is the thing about draws as anyone gets any seeding. She added that her draw is good and as the competition goes on, she will face tougher opponents.
You go girl! Keep it up champion?? https://t.co/gXmxEDyIMT
— SAI Media (@Media_SAI) March 16, 2023
Last year, she shifted to the 48-50 kg weight category and won the world championships and the CWG held in Birmingham.
On the other hand, Sakshi beat Jose Maria Martinez in round one by unanimous decision. Debutant Sakshi had a dominating bout as she qualified ahead to the pre-quarterfinals. Nupur Sheoran also won her game to get the third one for India.
Congratulations champ! https://t.co/4tnZb1UUwy
— SAI Media (@Media_SAI) March 16, 2023
India is hosting the Women’s World Boxing Championships for the third time and the Indian contingent looks strong with the names of Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist Lovlina Borgohain, CWG gold medallist Nitu Ghanghas and bronze medallist Jaismine Lamboria.