Nikhat Zareen won gold in 52kg category at the Women’s World Boxing Championship held in Istanbul, thus, becoming the 5th woman from India to clinch the world crown.
25-year-old Nikhat Zareen is a former World junior champion and an Asian bronze medallist. In the final of the Women’s World Boxing Championship, Nikhat fought brilliantly to score 30-27, 29-28, 29-28, 30-27, 29-28 against Thailand’s Jitpong Jutamas.
Nikhat beat Mexican Fatima Herrera, Mongolia’s Lutsaikhan Altantsetseg, England’s Charley Davison and Brazil’s Caroline de Almeida on her way to the final. She was full of determination and her punches were rock solid throughout the tournament.
With this win, Nikhat Zareen became the 5th Indian woman to secure gold medal at the World Boxing Championships after record six-time champion Mary Kom (2002, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2010 and 2018), Sarita Devi (2006), Jenny RL (2006) and Lekha KC (2006).
India finished the event with one gold and two bronze medals. Manisha Moun in 57kg and Parveen Hooda in 63kg got the bronze medals.
“Winning a medal at the world’s is always a dream and Nikhat could achieve it so early is extremely commendable. We, at BFI, are proud that our boxers have not only made all of us proud but each of their boxing journeys is inspiring for the upcoming generations,” BFI President Ajay Singh said.
India’s overall medal tally at Boxing World Championship has gone up to 39, including 10 gold, eight silver and 21 bronze. India is third highest after Russia with 60 medals and China with 50 medals.
