Indian boxing witnessed a spectacular performance on Wednesday as two-time World Champion Nikhat Zareen led a contingent of six pugilists to the gold medal round at the World Boxing Cup Finals, ensuring India will have an impressive fifteen boxers competing for top honors on Thursday.
Zareen's Triumphant Return
Nikhat Zareen made a remarkable comeback from her shoulder injury-induced hiatus, securing a unanimous decision victory over Uzbekistan's Ganieva Gulsevar in the 51kg semifinal bout. This victory ended her 21-month international medal drought and marked her first podium finish since the Strandja Memorial tournament in February last year.
The 29-year-old boxer, who received a first-round bye in the competition, showed some signs of rust during her semifinal encounter. She struggled initially but managed to convince four judges in the opening round. The bout was characterized by frequent clinches, stumbles, and broken exchanges between the two fighters.
"I'm very happy after Paris Olympics my medal account has opened. From here it's only upwards and onwards," expressed an emotional Zareen. "I was filled with nostalgia, I had become world champion in front of the home crowd and today I won my semifinal." The boxer had previously won the 2023 World Championship in New Delhi.
Indian Dominance in Semifinals
Reigning 57kg World Champion Jaismine Lamboria delivered a commanding performance, securing a dominant 5-0 victory against Kazakhstan's former Asian Youth Champion Ulzhan Sarsenbek. Lamboria effectively utilized her height advantage and superior reach to neutralize her opponent's attacks throughout the bout.
In the men's section, Jadumani Singh Mandengbam impressed in the 50kg category with a unanimous decision victory over Australia's Omar Izaz. Despite facing a height disadvantage, Jadumani showcased aggressive boxing with precise combinations and powerful uppercuts in the first two rounds.
Other Indian boxers who advanced to the finals included Pawan Bartwal (55kg), Sachin Siwach (60kg), and Hitesh Gulia (70kg), demonstrating the depth of Indian boxing talent across weight categories.
Bronze Medal Finishes
Three Indian boxers had to settle for bronze medals after suffering semifinal losses. Neeraj Phogat (65kg) lost to Chinese Taipei's Olympic and World championship bronze medallist Chen Nien-Chin, while Jugnoo (85kg) was defeated by Uzbekistan's Yuldoshev Jasurbek. Sumit Kundu (75kg) lost his bout against Poland's Jarlinski Michal.
Looking ahead to her final match, Zareen expressed determination, stating, "I'm now looking forward for the final against Chinese Taipei to face her and win a gold for India." The Indian boxing contingent now prepares for what promises to be an exciting finals day with multiple gold medal prospects.
