The country’s women boxers were treated to a mixed tie, with reigning champion Nikhat set to get off to an easy start when she takes on Azerbaijan’s Anakhanim Ismayilova at 50kg in the Round of 64. But defending her crown could be difficult with potential opponent, Rio Olympics bronze medalist Ingrit Valencia Japan’s Tsukimi Namiki, bronze medalist at the Colombia and Tokyo Olympics, awaited her in the semifinals and finals respectively.
Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist Lovlina Borgohain (75kg) received a bye in the opening round, while Saweety Boora (81kg) will be just one win away from securing the medal as she starts in the last eight after being awarded a bye in the opening round.
Lovlina meets Mexican Vanessa Ortiz in the round of 16. However, a delicious semi-final clash between two Olympic medalists lies ahead as the Indian is placed in the same half alongside Tokyo Olympics silver medalist Li Qian of China.
Flags are waving high 💪😍🥊 IBA Womens World Boxing Championships🗓 March 15-26 🇮🇳 New Delhi#itshertime #WWCHDelhi… https://t.co/sfFezP7MQm
— Boxing Federation (@BFI_official) 1678897285000
Jaismine Lamboria also faces major hurdles as she may have to defeat a strong title contender, Rio Olympic champion Estelle Mossely of France, in the 60kg quarterfinals, while Tokyo Olympics silver medalist Beatriz Ferreira of Brazil in the other half is placed.
Preeti (54 kg), who starts her campaign against Hungary’s Hanna Lakotar, also had a rough road as she is likely to face last edition’s Silver medalists Lacramioara Perijoc of Romania and Jutamas Jitpong in the second and third rounds respectively becomes. Thai boxer Jitpong lost to Nikhat in the final of the last edition.
The prestigious tournament opened on Wednesday with a grand opening ceremony at the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex, also attended by Union Minister for Youth and Sport Anurag Singh Thakur, IBA President Kremlev and BFI President Ajay Singh.
THROUGH THE LENS 📸 Glimpses from the Opening Ceremony 💥 #itshertime #WWCHDelhi #WorldChampionships @IBA_Boxing… https://t.co/sfBCMuvqSg
— Boxing Federation (@BFI_official) 1678895810000
The tournament’s brand ambassador and six-time winner, the great MC Mary Kom was also in attendance, along with Bollywood star Farhan Akhtar as the guest of honor.
Other boxers of the country Nitu Ghanghas (48 kg), Sakshi Chaudhary (52 kg), Manisha Moun (57 kg), Shashi Chopra (63 kg), Manju Bamboriya (66 kg), Shruti Yadav (70kg) and Nupur Sheoran (+81kg) will have a relatively easy path in the ongoing championship, hosted by the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) on March 15-26.
In addition to Zareen, Sakshi, Nupur and Preeti will also be in action on Thursday. The biggest boxing event in the world, which is being held in India for the third time in record numbers, will witness high-tension action in the presence of 324 boxers, including several Olympic medalists, from 65 countries.
The biennial event will also see a huge prize pool of Rs 20 crore as the boxers will compete in 12 weight divisions.
Shruti replaces Sanamacha
Sanamacha Chanu has been ruled out of the tournament after suffering a concussion during training. The decision was made after a preliminary medical examination by the team doctor, taking into account the athlete’s long-term health and future prospects.
The reserve boxer Shruti Yadav has replaced Chanu and will represent the country in the 70kg category.
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