Picture Credit: Twitter
It has been a good week for the Indian athletes, who have proved their talent on the world stage. After the Indian Badminton team secured their first-ever Thomas Cup win, the boxers displayed impressive performances in the IBA Women's World Boxing Championships in Istanbul.
On 16 May (Monday), Nikhat Zareen, Manisha, and Parveen advanced to the semi-finals of the 52, 57, and 63 kg events respectively, and assured medals for the Indian contingent.
The gold medalist in the Strandja Memorial Boxing Tournament 2022, Zareen secured a victory over England’s Charley-Sian Davison 5-0. She was a bronze medalist in the Asian Amateur Boxing Championships 2019 as well. After the completion of the quarter-final fixture, Zareen hopes to earn a gold medal.
"My opponent was taller than me today, so my strategy was to block her right hand which is her strength. I am delighted to give India the first medal, hope I can win the gold," Zareen said.
In the semis, she will be up against the challenge of Caroline De Almeida of Brazil, who won against the 2018 Commonwealth Games silver medal winner Carly McNaul of Ireland.
Manisha won 4-1 against Mongolia’s Namuun Monkhor in a hard-fought quarterfinals battle. In the semis, she will face Italy’s Irma Testa, who won by 4-1 against Uzbekistan’s Sitora Turdibekova. On the other hand, Parveen beat Shoira Zulkaynarova of Tajikistan 5-0 in the 63kg event.
In another development, the two-time youth champion Nitu (48kg) lost 2-3 to Asian champion Alua Balkibekova of Kazakhstan. Also, two-time Asian gold medalist, Pooja Rani lost 2-3 to Australia's Jessica Bagley.
Later in the day, the likes of Anamika, Jaisimine, and Nandini will feature in the 50, 60, and 81 kg events respectively in their quarterfinal bouts.