The ongoing National Boxing Championships witnessed a day of stark contrasts on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. While celebrated stars like Nikhat Zareen and Minakshi Hooda secured convincing victories, the men's competition was plunged into controversy due to a bizarre and unsportsmanlike incident that has raised serious questions about refereeing standards.
Star Power Shines in the Ring
In the women's category, the focus was firmly on elite performance. Nikhat Zareen, the reigning world champion, delivered a masterclass, dominating her opponent to advance to the next round. Her technical prowess and aggressive strategy left little room for a contest, reaffirming her status as India's boxing powerhouse.
Joining her in the winner's circle was the talented Minakshi Hooda. Hooda, known for her sharp footwork and powerful combinations, also registered a decisive win. The successes of Zareen and Hooda provided the high-quality boxing that fans had eagerly anticipated, showcasing the depth of talent in Indian women's boxing.
Controversy Erupts in Men's Bout
The narrative took an ugly turn during the men's events. The day was severely disrupted by two connected incidents that have become the talk of the tournament. In one particularly shocking bout, a boxer was alleged to have bitten his opponent during a clinch. This act of foul play immediately sparked chaos and protests, casting a dark shadow over the competition.
The fallout from this incident was severe and immediate. Another scheduled men's bout had to be abandoned entirely following major disruptions and arguments related to the refereeing of the earlier incident. This abandonment highlighted the level of tension and dissatisfaction among participants and officials regarding the handling of the situation.
Refereeing Standards Under Scanner
At the heart of the continuing row is the role and decision-making of the officiating team. The core controversy now revolves around the refereeing issue stemming from the 'biting' row. Questions are being raised about whether the officials acted swiftly and correctly in response to the blatant foul. The boxing community is demanding clarity on the disciplinary actions to be taken and a review of protocols to prevent such incidents from marring future national events.
The incident has shifted attention from athletic achievement to sportsmanship and governance. While the victories of Zareen and Hooda are significant, the unresolved refereeing controversy threatens to dominate the headlines until the national federation addresses it with a firm and transparent stance.
