Lovlina, Nikhat to lead Indian challenge at Women’s World Boxing Championships
Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist Lovlina Borgohain and defending world champion Nikhat Zareen will lead India’s challenge at the IBA (World Boxing Association) Women’s World Boxing Championships 2023 here. This competition will be organized from March 15 to 26 at the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex. Borgohain (75kg) has won two bronze medals at the World Championships so far and will be looking to improve that among several Olympic medalists from other countries in home conditions.
Nikhat is the defending champion in the 50kg category and will be looking to defend her title. Nikhat won the title at the 2022 IBA Women’s World Championship in Istanbul. Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medalist Neetu Ghanghas will compete in the 48kg category. The two-time youth world champion would be eyeing another big medal.
Boxing Federation of India (BFI) President Ajay Singh said, “India has become a ‘powerhouse’ of boxing over the years and we intend to further strengthen our position with this talented contingent for the IBA Women’s World Championships. Let’s keep The team consists of champion players I am sure they will again make the country proud.” Manisha Maun, who announced her arrival on the global stage with an impressive performance at the 2018 World Championships in Delhi, in the highly competitive 57kg ‘Featherweight’ category Will represent the country.
Manisha had won a bronze medal in the 2022 World Championships. Birmingham Commonwealth Games bronze medalist Jasmine Lamboria had reached the quarterfinals last season. She will compete in the 60 kg category. Young boxers Preeti and Sanamacha Chanu will represent India in the 54kg and 70kg categories respectively. Reigning Asian and national champion Sweety Boora will compete in the 81kg category. Youth world champions Sakshi Chowdhary (52kg), Shashi Chopra (63kg) and 2019 South Asian Games gold medalist Manju Bamboriya (66kg) will be eager to prove themselves in their respective categories at the World Championships. India’s medal hopes in the ‘heavyweight’ category above 81kg will hinge on defending national champion Nupur Sheoran.
