By: ABP News Bureau | Updated at : 16 Mar 2023 06:15 PM (IST)

Nikhat, who is unseeded despite being the reigning champion, was at her aggressive best as she landed a flurry of combination punches on her opponent. ( Image Source : PTI )
New Delhi: Reigning boxing world champion and Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Nikhat Zareen began her title defence of the world championship with a dominant (referee stops contest) win over Anakhanim Ismayilova in the first round on Thursday.

Given her performances in the past, Nikhat headed into the contest as the favourite and she did no harm to her reputation with the kind of performance she produced. Competing in the 50kg category, Nikhat initially took her time to assess her opponent, but once she figured the Azerbaijan boxer’s tactics in the contest, she came to her own.
Nikhat, who is unseeded despite being the reigning champion, was at her aggressive best as she landed a flurry of combination punches on her opponent.
Such was the Indian’s domination that the referee had to give Ismayilova the ‘count’ thrice before stopping the contest in the second round.

Meanwhile, Zareen has hoped that she would be able to continue her performance in the upcoming bouts.
.@nikhat_zareen starts with a win 💪🥊

Listen In 🗣️

🥊 IBA Womens World Boxing Championships
🗓 March 15 – 26
🇮🇳 New Delhi@AjaySingh_SG l @debojo_m#itshertime #WWCHDelhi #WorldChampionships @IBA_Boxing @Media_SAI pic.twitter.com/FmxUhgf0E4


On being unseeded, Nikhat said, “It’s not a problem. That’s the thing about draws, anyone can get any seeding. It doesn’t matter but my draw is good, as the competition goes on I’ll get tough opponents.” Nikhat will next face top seed, 2022 African champion Roumaysa Boualam, in the round of 32.
“I know that boxer but I haven’t played against her. I’m happy that India’s first bout started with me and hopefully, I will only end it.” Sakshi (52kg) advanced to the pre-quarterfinals with a 5-0 unanimous decision win over Colombia’s Martinez Maria Jose in the first round.
Debutant Sakshi and Jose indulged in a fast-paced bout, where the Indian jabbed her way through.

(With Inputs From PTI)
UEFA Champions League Final: Manchester City Beat Inter Milan To Complete Historic Treble, Emulate Manchester United’s 1998-99 Feat
WTC Final: Virat Kohli-Ajinkya Rahane’s Unbeaten 71-Run Stand Keeps India Alive In Daunting Chase Of 444
IND vs AUS WTC Final Day 4 HIGHLIGHTS: India Need 280 More Runs To Win As Riveting Final Day’s Action Awaits
IND vs AUS WTC Final 2023: Fan Proposes His Girlfriend On Camera, Video Goes Viral
India Beat Mongolia In Blue Tiger’s First International Fixture In Odisha At 2023 Intercontinental Cup
Wrestlers Hold Mahapanchayat In Sonipat, To Resume Protest If No Action Is Taken By June 15 — Top Points
Air India Resolves Glitch In Stranded Boeing Plane In Magadan; Aircraft Safely Lands In Mumbai
Kerala Mariners Who Were Detained In Nigeria Return Home After Nine Months
‘Sat On NCP’s Lap…’: Amit Shah Accuses Uddhav Thackeray Of ‘Betraying’ BJP For CM Post In Maharashtra
‘Can’t Be Forced To…’: Advisors Response To NCERT’s ‘Out Of Question’ Remark On Dropping Their Names From Textbooks

source

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *