Indian Boxer Nikhat Zareen Bags Gold in World Boxing Championship

• Image Credit: Internet

• May 19, 2022 | Kabir Chakraborty

Nikhat attacked with more confidence and determination and delivered enough punches in the final round to take the bout.

Digital Desk: Indian Boxer Nikhat Zareen gave a power-packed performance to beat Thai Olympian Jutamas Jitpong 5-0 and become the fifth Indian woman to win a World title at Istanbul on Thursday.

Nikhat, a former World junior champion and an Asian bronze medallist, celebrated her birthday early as she screamed out of joy when the announcer declared her the winner after the 52kg final bout in the World women’s championships.

With this performance, Nikhat, who had earlier defeated World champions in other events, underlined her status as a world class boxer.

"Winning a medal at the world's is always a dream and Nikhat could achieve it so early is extremely commendable," said Boxing Federation of India (BFI) president Ajay Singh.

Nikhat had an idea about her opponent in the summit clash as she had defeated the Thai with a 4-1 verdict in their previous meeting in the 51kg semifinals of the 2019 Thailand Open.

The Indian relied on her fast combinations to stay ahead of Jutamas, who landed straight ones and ducked a lot in the opening round.

Nikhat attacked with more confidence and determination and delivered enough punches in the final round to take the bout.

Nikhat had also beaten Mexican Fatima Herrera, Mongolia’s Lutsaikhan Altantsetseg, England’s Charley Davison and Brazil’s Caroline de Almeida with an identical 5-0 margin on her way to the final in a country where she had achieved several successes in the past.

India last won a World title when Mary had become a six-time champion in Delhi in 2018.

Six-time champion M.C.Mary Kom, Sarita Devi, Jenny R.L. and Lekha K.C. are the other Indian women who have won the crown.

India finished the event with one gold and two bronze medals. Manisha Moun (57kg) and Parveen (63kg) got the bronze medals.

Overall, India has won 10 gold, eight silver and 21 bronze medals in the 12 editions of the World championships.