NEW DELHI: In a historic turn of events on Friday, September 29, Indian boxer Nikhat Zareen achieved a double triumph, solidifying her spot in the Paris Olympics 2024 and securing herself a coveted medal at the ongoing Asian Games 2023. Her journey at the Asian Games in Hangzhou was nothing short of inspirational, particularly in the women's 50kg category.
Facing off against the formidable Chorong Bak from the Republic of Korea in the round of 16, Nikhat Zareen exhibited her exceptional boxing prowess. With a display of superior skills and a strategic mindset, Zareen emerged victorious with a unanimous decision, propelling her into the quarterfinals of the tournament.
This victory marked another milestone in Nikhat's remarkable year inside the boxing ring. She had already added her second World Championship title to her trophy cabinet, and the previous year, she clinched the gold at the Commonwealth Games. However, the most remarkable feat of her career came on that memorable Friday when she needed just two minutes to secure her place in the 50 kg quarterfinals, knocking out her opponent, Hanan Nazar of Jordan, in under a minute.
By reaching the semi-finals, Nikhat Zareen not only assured India of a medal in boxing at the Asian Games but also booked her ticket to the prestigious Paris Olympics. Her stellar performance throughout the year had culminated in this monumental achievement.
On the same day, India's boxing contingent had a mixed set of results. Parveen secured her spot in the women's 54-57 kg category with a dominant performance in the preliminaries-Round of 16. All five judges unanimously scored in her favor as she squared off against China's Zichun XU. While the Chinese boxer managed to earn a few votes from the judges in the third round, Parveen's strong performance in the initial rounds secured her victory.
Unfortunately, it was not all smooth sailing for India's boxing team. Lakshay Chahar, competing in the Round of 16-Preliminaries, faced a tough opponent in Omurbek Uulu Bekzhigit from Kyrgyzstan. Despite a valiant effort and a stronger performance in the third round, Chahar fell short as the Kyrgyzstan boxer had already secured the first two rounds, with only one judge giving Chahar the second one.
Nikhat Zareen's incredible journey at the Asian Games 2023 not only showcased her exceptional talent and determination but also etched her name in the annals of Indian boxing history. Her dual triumphs of securing a spot in the Paris Olympics and securing an Asian Games medal were a testament to her dedication and prowess inside the ring. As she continued to inspire a nation with her achievements, Nikhat Zareen had truly become a symbol of excellence in the world of sports.
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