The push of adrenaline, heart-stopping motion, fearless spirit, and tactical nous made it a magical evening to recollect for Indian boxing. World champion Nikhat Zareen (50kg), Tokyo Olympics medallist Lovlina Borgohain (75kg), promising star Nitu Ghanghas (48kg) and the seasoned Saweety Boora (81kg) produced stellar reveals one after one other to e book 4 ultimate spots for India on the IBA World Boxing Championships on the IG Stadium right here on Thursday.
Such a collective excessive was surprising given the stature of the opponents India’s boxers have been up towards. However the high quality and depth of Indian boxing shone by way of on a sensational evening.
Two of the bouts, that of Nitu and Saweety’s — went by way of the bout assessment course of giving some anxious moments to the gang however each had achieved sufficient within the third spherical to sail by way of. Nitu Ghanghas defeated Asian Champion and worlds silver medallist Alua Balkibekova 5-2 – an opponent she had misplaced towards within the earlier version. Saweety emerged unscathed 4-3 towards Australian Emma-Sue Greentree.
Nikhat hardly ever put a foot mistaken towards Colombian Valencia Ingrit Victoria — the Rio Olympics bronze medallist – the hardest opponent she needed to face in a grueling draw of 5 fights up to now. Nikhat oozed class in dispatching her 5-0, and the way in which she dominated the competition. Come Sunday, Nikhat will probably be bracing as much as create historical past. If she wins it will likely be her second world title. She’s going to face two-time Asian champion Nguyen Thi Tam of Vietnam within the ultimate. Six-time world championships gold medallist MC Mary Kom is the one Indian boxer with a couple of title to her identify.
“I fought her a very long time in the past and beat her. I used to be totally focussed for this bout although it has been a tricky week with back-to-back bouts,” stated Nikhat.
“She is an effective technical boxer like me and I’m at my greatest when somebody performs clear. My technique was to assault and never let her come near throw her punches as a result of then she turns into very aggressive. It was my greatest efficiency within the event. It has been an extended event. I hope to win yet another and defend my title,” stated Nikhat.
But when there was one combat that stood out on this scintillating evening, it was Lovlina Borgohain’s astounding present towards Tokyo Olympics silver medallist Li Qian. It was certainly one of Lovlina’s greatest performances since Tokyo as she outplayed Qian — a seasoned boxer who’s a two-time Olympic medallist and a three-time Worlds medallist.
“I’ve been profitable bronze medals at main championships and that is the primary time I’m in a ultimate, so I’m elated with my efficiency right here. She may be very skilled on this class whereas I’m nonetheless new to the load (having shifted from 69kg welterweight) and it’ll give me lots of confidence going into the ultimate,” stated Borgohain, who will probably be up towards Australian Caitlin Anne within the ultimate.
Earlier, Nitu was ready to face her nemesis within the semi-final. She had misplaced to the Kazakh boxer final 12 months in Istanbul worlds on the similar stage. This time she modified her gameplan and fought from a detailed vary. Going towards her personal type, Nitu tailored nicely to come back by way of a tricky combat that went to bout assessment
“She is excellent from the lengthy vary. So, I used to be advised by coaches to not give him an excessive amount of distance and play nearer to her. I needed to be calm and never lose my endurance,” stated Nitu who will now face Asian Championships bronze medallist Lutsaikhan Altantsetseg of Mongolia.
A repeat of the 2006 world championships at house, when India had gained 4 gold medals is on the playing cards, and that needs to be sufficient for the gang to convey the noise.