In a decisive victory, Nikhat Zareen emerged triumphant over her opponent from Jordan, Nassar, securing her advancement in the Asian Games. Image Source : X/@Media_SAI
Hangzhou, China – September 29, 2023: In a momentous achievement, two-time World Championship winner Nikhat Zareen has secured her spot at the upcoming Paris Olympics and, in doing so, assured India of a medal at the Asian Games in Hangzhou. Her remarkable journey continued as she clinched victory in the quarterfinal bout.
Facing off against Hanan Nassar of Jordan in the women’s 50kg quarterfinals, Nikhat Zareen needed less than two minutes to secure her triumph through a knockout, prompting the referees to halt the bout.
Zareen’s dominance in the boxing ring has been nothing short of exceptional, with a second World Championship crown added to her accolades earlier this year. She had previously clinched gold at the Commonwealth Games, showcasing her prowess on the international stage.
With this win, Nikhat Zareen has advanced to the semifinals in her weight category, guaranteeing India at least a bronze medal. However, she remains steadfast in her pursuit of the ultimate prize – the gold.
In other boxing action on this eventful Friday, India’s Lakshya Chahar faced a tough battle and lost to Bekzhigit Uulu Omurbek of Kyrgyzstan in a closely contested split decision in the Men’s 80kg Round of 16.
Adding to India’s achievements, the 2022 World Championships bronze medalist, Parveen Hooda, emerged victorious with a commanding 5-0 win over China’s Xu Zichun in the Women’s 57kg Round of 16, securing her spot in the quarter-finals.
Nikhat Zareen’s stellar performance in the previous round saw her assert her authority over her South Korean opponent, Chorong Bak, with a decisive 5-0 victory in the women’s event.
Hailing from Telangana’s Nizamabad, Nikhat Zareen boasts an illustrious record of medals, including two World Championships titles and a gold medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Her achievements also include a bronze at the Asian Championships and a gold at the World Junior and Youth Championships.
During her bout against Hanan Nassar, Nikhat Zareen left no room for doubt about her dominance. Swift punches from Zareen had her opponent on the defensive right from the start. Within just 53 seconds, the referee had seen enough to stop the contest, as Nassar was counted down thrice. This resounding victory propels Zareen into the final four, marking a historic moment in her career and securing India’s presence on the podium at the Asian Games.
Stay tuned as Nikhat Zareen’s pursuit of gold continues in the semifinals, and as India’s boxing contingent aims for further triumphs in this prestigious competition.
