Asian Games Boxing: Nikhat Zareen settles for bronze after losing in semis

Digital Desk: Indian boxer Nikhat Zareen won a bronze medal at the ongoing Asian Games 2023 after falling to Thailand's Raksat Chuthamat in the semifinals of the women's 50kg category.

Zareen was defeated via a split decision. The Indian boxer got off to a strong start in the semifinal contest, winning even the opening round 3-2 by split decision. In the second round, her Thai opponent staged a comeback and won it 3-2 on a split decision. In the third and final round, Raksat went on to get four 10s compared to Zareen's one, shifting the results in her favour.

In the meantime, Indian boxer Parveen Hooda, a bronze medalist at the World Championships, has ensured a medal for India by moving on to the 57 kg semifinals at the upcoming Asian Games. A remarkable achievement for Indian boxing, her victory also secures her a spot in the Paris Olympics.

In the quarterfinals, Sitora Turdibekova of Uzbekistan was defeated by Parveen, who had previously won bronze in the 63 kg division at the 2022 World Boxing Championships. The current Asian champion, Parveen, displayed her skills in the ring from the start, using her long reach to her advantage to throw punches from a distance.

She displayed her strategic prowess by switching between left punches and right crosses to confuse the younger Uzbekistan opponent. Despite a determined comeback from Turdibekova, who delivered several powerful blows to Hooda, the latter's tactical fighting style and precise scoring punches ultimately gave her the victory.

Four additional Indian boxers have already declared Olympic quotas, including two-time world champion Nikhat Zareen (50 kg), Preeti Pawar (54 kg), Lovlina Borgohain (75 kg), and Narender Berwal (+92 kg).

According to the rules of the competition, semifinalists in the women's 50kg, 54kg, 57kg, and 60kg events as well as winners in the 66kg and 75kg divisions will obtain qualifying for the Paris Olympics. The gold and silver medalists in each of the seven weight categories for the men's divisions will also earn Olympic spots.