Indian boxer and reigning women's world champion Nikhat Zareen is brimming with excitement as she makes her Olympic debut at the Paris 2024 Games. Zareen, a key figure in India's boxing contingent, expressed her enthusiasm for the competition, saying she feels prepared to "pack a punch and fulfil her dream" of winning a medal. Taking to X, she shared her excitement with a post that read, "Bonjour Paris! I've dreamt of this moment. Now that I'm here, let's make it unforgettable and win some hearts! Ready to pack a punch and fulfil my dream. Let's go! #Paris2024."
As the current International Boxing Association (IBA) world champion in the 50 kg category, Zareen enters the Olympics with impressive credentials. She secured her world title in March last year and added a Commonwealth Games gold medal to her collection in Birmingham in 2022, competing in the light flyweight category. Additionally, she won a bronze medal at the Asian Games in Hangzhou a year later, also in the light flyweight category.
For the Paris Olympics, Zareen has been drawn against Germany's Carina Kloetzer in the opening round of the women's 50 kg boxing. Should she advance, her next potential opponent could be China's Wu Yu, the defending Asian Games champion and the top-seeded boxer in this category. Wu Yu, also the 52 kg world champion, poses a significant challenge. Zareen, however, is determined to build on her status as the reigning world champion in the 50 kg category.
If Nikhat successfully overcomes Wu Yu, she may face Thailand's Chuthamat Raksat or Uzbekistan's Sabina Bobokulova in the quarterfinals. Zareen has previously faced both challengers, losing to Bobokulova at the Strandja Memorial in February and to Chuthamat in the semifinals en route to her Asian Games Hangzhou silver medal.
In the women's 75 kg category, Lovlina Borgohain, the Tokyo 2020 bronze medalist, will begin her campaign against Norway's Sunniva Hofstad in the round of 16. Borgohain could potentially face China's Li Qian in the quarterfinals. Li Qian, a two-time Olympic medalist, defeated Borgohain in the Asian Games women's 75 kg final last year.
In the women's 57 kg category, Jaismine Lamboria is set to face the Philippines' Nesthy Petecio, the Tokyo 2020 silver medalist, in her opening bout. Should Lamboria advance, her next opponent is likely to be the third-seeded Amina Zidani from France, the current European champion in this weight class.
Preeti Pawar, who won a bronze medal at the Asian Games, will compete against Vietnam's Vo Thi Kim Anh in the round of 32.
On the men's side, Amit Panghal and Nishant Dev will begin their campaigns in the round of 16 after receiving byes in the opening round. Panghal, competing in the 51 kg category, will face Zambia’s Patrick Chinyemba, the 2022 Commonwealth Games bronze medalist. Dev, in the 71 kg category, is scheduled to go up against Ecuador’s Jose Rodriguez Tenorio.
The boxing events at the Paris 2024 Olympics are set to kick off with preliminary rounds on July 27 at the Arena Paris Nord. As Indian boxers step into the ring, the anticipation is high, with hopes pinned on them to deliver strong performances and potentially secure medals for the country. ANI
Published: 27 Jul 2024, 08:34 pm IST
Related Topics
Disclaimer: Kindly avoid objectionable, derogatory, unlawful and lewd comments, while responding to reports. Such comments are punishable under cyber laws. Please keep away from personal attacks. The opinions expressed here are the personal opinions of readers and not that of Mathrubhumi.