On March 23, at the KD Jadhav Indoor Hall in New Delhi, four Indian women boxers will be competing in the semi-final bouts of the ongoing IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships 2023.
These female boxers have already secured medals for their country and will now strive to advance further in the tournament at the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex.
The four Indian pugilists are defending champion Nikhat Zareen, Commonwealth Games gold medallist Nitu Ghanghas, Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist Lovlina Borgohain, and Saweey Boora, all of whom won their respective quarter-final bouts and progressed to the last four.
In the marquee event of the IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships 2023, Nitu secured her win with an RSC (referee stopped contest), while reigning world champion Nikhat Zareen won by split decision, confirming her second medal.
Saweety became the third Indian boxer to confirm a medal, and Lovlina Borgohain, participating in her third world championships, also entered the semis.
Nitu, aged 22, defeated two-time Worlds bronze medallist Madoka Wada of Japan in the quarterfinal bout and is set to face reigning Asian champion and last year’s World Championships silver medallist, Alua Balkibekova of Kazakhstan, in the semi-final, a rematch of last year’s quarter-finals.
Nikhat, who defeated two-time World Championships bronze medallist Chuthamat Raksat of Thailand, will face Rio Olympics bronze medallist Ingrit Valencia of Colombia in the semis.
Meanwhile, Saweety (81kg) defeated 2018 World Championships bronze medallist Viktoria Kebikava of Belarus in the quarters and is scheduled to take on Emma-Sue Greentree of Australia in her next bout.
Lovlina Borgohain secured India’s fourth medal by defeating Adosinda Gamane Rady of Mozambique by unanimous decision in the 75 kg middleweight category, earning her a spot in the semis where she will compete against Li Qian of China.