Nikhat Zareen
New Delhi: Indian boxer Nikhat Zareen won gold on Thursday at the 12 IBA Women's World Boxing Championships, beating Thailand's Jitpong Jutamas in the 52kg final. Judges scored the bout 30-27, 29-28, 29-28, 30-27, 29-28 for the Indians, IANS reported.
Thailand's Jutamas, who had the upper hand in defeating the three-time World Championships medallist Kazakhstan's Zhaina Shekerbekova, faltered before Zareen measure-sharp punches even from the first bout. The 25-year-old Zareen from Telangana used her long reach while maintaining her dominance over her Thai opponent.
Jutamas' efforts for a comeback with counterattacking in the second round were also dealt with smartly by Zareen, who was in complete control. Zareen rooted herself inside the ring with strong, straight and clean punches. She opened continuous attacks on the Thai in the third round.
Zareen has become the 5th Indian woman to secure a gold medal at the World Boxing Championships. Before her, Mary Kom won gold in 2002, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2010 and 2018. Then Sarita Devi (2006), Jenny RL (2006) and Lekha KC (2006). Also, India's first gold since Mary Kom's 2018.
India gathered three medals, with bronzes from Manisha (57kg) and Parveen (63kg), competing among 73 countries in the event, which hosted a record 310 boxers. The event had also marked the 20th anniversary of the Women's World Championships.