Nikhat Zareen wins gold at Women’s World Boxing Championships

Indian boxer Nikhat Zareen made her way into record books by clinching a gold medal at the 12th edition of the IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships with a dominating 5-0 victory.

Living up to the expectations, Nikhat Zareen thrashed Thailand’s Jitpong Jutamas on Thursday without breaking a sweat in the 52kg final with judges scoring the bout 30-27, 29-28, 29-28, 30-27, 29-28 in the Indian’s favour. 

The Nizamabad (Telangana)-born boxer became the only fifth Indian woman to secure a 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).

It was also India’s first gold medal since boxing great Mary Kom won it in 2018.

Out of 12 participating Indian boxers, eight made it to the quarter-finals in this year’s tournament–the joint highest alongside Turkey.

This is third highest behind Russia (60) and China (50).