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In a spirited display of boxing prowess at the Asian Games 2023 held in Hangzhou, People's Republic of China, former world champion Nikhat Zareen concluded her campaign by clinching a coveted bronze medal in the women’s 50kg boxing event. Zareen's journey to the podium, however, saw a challenging semi-final, where she faced Thailand's skilled Chuthamat Raksat.
Nikhat began with an advantage, securing the initial round through a close 3-2 split decision in her favor. However, the Thai boxer managed a comeback in the subsequent round, with the judges once again delivering a split decision, narrowing her deficit against the world champion. In the climactic third and concluding round, Nikhat unleashed a series of punches against her adversary. Despite this, Rakshat maintained her defensive stance and, through another split decision, moved forward to the final.
Notably, earlier in the year during the world championship quarter-finals, Zareen had triumphed over Raksat, showcasing the unpredictability and fierce competition in international boxing.
Meanwhile, adding to India's growing medal tally hopes, Parveen Hooda delivered a sterling performance, advancing to the women’s 57kg semi-finals. She clinched a unanimous decision victory over Sitora Turdibekova of Uzbekistan. This achievement not only ensures Hooda's maiden Asian Games medal but also places her in contention for a quota spot at the forthcoming Paris 2024 Olympics. However, it's essential to note that the final representation for the Olympic Games lies in the hands of National Olympic Committees. Only with their endorsement can athletes represent their countries at the prestigious Paris 2024 event.
The boxing competition at the Asian Games 2023 doubles up as a qualifying event for the Paris 2024 Olympics. In the men’s segment, the top two performers, the gold and silver medallists from each of the seven weight categories, will earn their quota for the Olympics. The women's segment offers four quota spots across all categories, excluding the 66kg and 75kg divisions which provide two slots, akin to the men's format.
In her upcoming bout, Parveen Hooda is slated to combat Lin Yu Ting of Chinese Taipei in the semi-finals, scheduled for October 4.
However, not all was smooth sailing for the Indian contingent. Jasmine Lamboria, competing in the women’s 60kg category, faced a setback. She squared off against Ungyong Won from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and endured a challenging match. Facing three standing counts within a minute, the referee deemed it fit to halt the bout, marking it as an RSC (referee stops count), denying Lamboria a chance at the medal.
The Asian Games 2023, filled with twists, turns, victories, and near-misses, continues to be a testament to the talent, dedication, and spirit of athletes across the continent, and India's boxers remain at the heart of this thrilling narrative.
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