In a riveting showdown at the World Women’s Boxing Championship in New Delhi, Nikhat Zareen emerged champion in the 50kg category, defeating Vietnam’s Nguyen Thi Tam. The final, filled with intense moments, concluded with Nikhat securing a well-deserved victory by a unanimous verdict. The scores awarded by four judges — 28-27 — reflected the excitement of the bout. The other judge ruled 29-26.
For Nikhat, this was a second successive World Championship gold medal in this Olympic weight category. She had a boisterous home crowd cheering for her. The Commonwealth Games champion relished the sweet taste of gold as she became the second Indian woman after the legendary MC Mary Kom to clinch more than one world title.
Nikhat’s journey to the top of the podium was no walk in the park. Her Vietnamese opponent in the final is a two-time Asian champion. Seeking redemption after a previous defeatagainst her, Nikhat showcased her determination and skill to secure a 5-0 verdict.
The contest reached its zenith in the second round, with Nguyen retaliating and securing it 3-2. Nikhat faced penalties for excessive bending. Both boxers endured standing counts amidst a fierce exchange of punches. Despite the challenges, Nikhat exhibited resilience, ultimately clinching the bout.
The elation of victory poured out as emotions. Nikhat knelt down for a heartfelt prayer. This wasn’t just about winning. It was a validation of her dedication and hard work. The vociferous crowd loved every second of it.
This was not Nikhat’s only notable achievement in 2023. She later clinched a bronze medal at the Asian Games and secured qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
For Indian sports in 2023, Nikhat’s World Championship win shines as a proud highlight. Her journey from facing setbacks to standing atop the podium is a story of resilience, determination and the indomitable spirit of a champion.