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Minakshi, Nikhat Zareen, Hitesh Dominate Quarterfinals at National Boxing

India's leading boxers, including world champions Minakshi Hooda and Nikhat Zareen, advanced comfortably to the semifinals at the ongoing National Championships. The event, being held concurrently for men and women for the first time, features 600 competitors across 20 weight categories. While stars like Hitesh Gulia and Pawan Bartwal secured easy wins, established names like Amit Panghal and Lovlina Borgohain faced tougher challenges. The tournament, which began on January 4, will conclude on January 10.

Key Points: National Boxing: Minakshi, Nikhat Zareen, Hitesh Reach Semis

  • Top seeds dominate quarterfinals
  • First combined men's & women's nationals
  • 600 boxers across 20 categories
  • Several bouts end via referee stoppage
2 min read

Senior National Boxing: World champion Minakshi, Nikhat Zareen, Hitesh ease into semis

World champions Minakshi Hooda & Nikhat Zareen, along with Hitesh Gulia, cruise into the semifinals at the combined National Boxing Championships.

"sailed into the semifinals of the Elite Men and Women National Boxing Championships with comfortable wins - Report"

New Delhi, Jan 8

Country's top boxers, including world champion Minakshi Hooda, two-time world titlist Nikhat Zareen, World Boxing Cup gold medallist Hitesh Gulia, and others, sailed into the semifinals of the Elite Men and Women National Boxing Championships with comfortable wins in their respective quarterfinal bouts at the Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida, on Thursday.

This marks the first time that the men's and women's National Championships are being held together at the same venue, with 600 boxers competing across 10 weight categories for each gender. Minakshi (women's 45-48kg) from the All India Police team defeated Kashish Mehta of Punjab with a 5:0 score, while Nikhat (48-51kg) outperformed Manipur's Lanchenbee Chanu Tongbram by the same margin.

In the men's 65-70 kg quarterfinals, Hitesh won against Punjab's Tejaswi with a 5:0 score, moving on to the semifinals. Silver medallist Pawan Bartwal (50-55kg), Jadumani Singh (50-55kg), and Sachin (55-60kg) all secured unanimous decisions in their semifinal matches.

Pawan defeated Tyson from Arunachal Pradesh. Jadumani beat Nikhil from Punjab, and Sachin won against Karan from Uttar Pradesh. In the women's 51-54kg quarterfinals, Preeti triumphed over Harmeet Kaur Virk of Punjab with a score of 5:0, while Sakshi defeated Poonam of RSPB 4:1.

Earlier on Wednesday, two-time world champion Nikhat Zareen, World Boxing Cup Finals 2025 gold medallist Pawan Bartwal, and Sumit advanced further in the tournament by dominating their opponents.

In the women's 48-51kg category, the referee stopped the bout between Nikhat Zareen and Ladakh's Kulsooma Bano in the first round due to the former's clear dominance. Pawan (men's 50-55kg) defeated Lalit, while Sumit (men's 70-75kg) overcame Madhya Pradesh's Kapil after both bouts were halted in the third round.

Pooja (75-80kg) of Haryana blanked Anju of Chandigarh 5-0 to assert her class, while Jadumani (50-55kg) was so dominant against R Parthiban of Tamil Nadu that the referee stopped the bout in the second round.

However, it was not an easy outing for two other established stars. Saweety pushed Assam's Lovlina hard before the experienced campaigner prevailed 3-2 in a split decision.

In the men's section, former Commonwealth Games gold medallist Amit Panghal (50-55kg), representing SSCB, edged past Priyanshu of Haryana by a 3-2 split decision.

The tournament commenced last week on January 4 and is set to run till Saturday (January 10).

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
It's great to see the men's and women's championships held together for the first time. This promotes equality and gives equal spotlight. Kudos to the organizers! More power to our women boxers like Preeti and Sakshi too.
V
Vikram M
Hitesh Gulia is a rising star! His performance has been consistent. But I must say, the article mentions some bouts were stopped early due to dominance. While it shows skill, I hope the competition level overall is high enough to truly test our best before international events.
S
Sarah B
The depth of talent is impressive! 600 boxers is a huge number. Good to see boxers from All India Police, Punjab, Manipur, Haryana all competing. This national platform is crucial for spotting new talent from across the country.
R
Rohit P
Nikhat Zareen's bout was stopped in the first round itself? Wah! That's some serious dominance. These athletes are working so hard. Hope they get all the support they need for the Paris cycle. Chak De India!
K
Kavya N
Interesting to see established stars like Amit Panghal and Saweety having close fights. It shows the new generation is catching up, which is healthy for the sport. No one should have an easy walk to the top. Best of luck to all semifinalists!

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