World Boxing: Nikhat Zareen Fifth Indian Woman To Strike Gold

Istanbul: Nikhat Zareen struck gold in 52 kg (flyweight) category at the Women’s World Boxing Championship here on Thursday, outclassing Jutamas Jitpong of Thailand 5-0.

The judges gave Nikhat all five rounds with scores of 30-27, 29-28, 29-28, 30-27, 29-28. It was her second win over Jitpong, having outwitted her at the 2019 Thailand Open.

Nikhat thus became only the fifth Indian woman to secure World Boxing gold.

While the one and only Mary Kom is a six-time World champion (2002, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2010 and 2018), the others to have brought India glory are Sarita Devi (2006), Jenny RL (2006) and Lekha KC (2006).

A bronze-medallist in the 2019 Asian Championship, Nikhat defeated Brazil’s Caroline de Almeida in the semifinal.

India also bagged two bronze medals — Manisha Moun (57 kg) and debutant Parveen Hooda (63 kg).

Of the 12 Indians who participated in the World meet, eight advanced to the quarterfinals — the joint highest with hosts Turkey.

India’s overall medals haul in 12 editions of Women’s World Boxing Championships now stands at 39 – made up of 10 gold, 8 silver and 21 bronze medals — third highest after Russia (60) and China (50).