India Bags maximum gold in 2023 IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships; Nikhat Zareen, Lovlina Borgohain, Saweety Boora and Nitu Ghanghas makes nation proud

Vivek Prakash

New Delhi, 28th March 2023: India’s female boxers have brought immense pride to the nation at the 13th edition of the IBA Women’s World Boxing Championship 2023, held in New Delhi.

The nation’s top pugilists, Nikhat Zareen, Lovlina Borgohain, Saweety Boora, and Nitu Ghanghas, have created history by securing gold medals in their respective categories, thus marking a momentous victory in the history of boxing competitions.

The last time India achieved such a remarkable feat was in 2006, and now, in 2023, the nation has once again made a resounding impact on the global stage of women’s boxing.

The Indian women’s boxing team displayed an unparalleled winning streak that began with Nitu Ghanghas, who became the first athlete to win a gold medal for India at the tournament. Nitu, who had already won a gold medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, secured the top position in the 48 kg category by defeating Mongolia’s Lutsaikhan Altantsetseg in a stunning performance. Despite the Mongolian boxer’s strong comeback, Nitu held her ground and emerged victorious.

Shortly after Nitu’s triumph, Saweety Boora added another gold to India’s list by winning the 81 kg category in a thrilling match against China’s Wang Lina. Saweety, who had won a silver medal nine years ago, displayed remarkable technical ability and strength to defeat her opponent in a closely contested bout.

Nikhat Zareen, the previous gold medalist in the 52 kg category, shone in the 50 kg category this time around. She put up an impressive show against Vietnam’s Nguyen Thi Tam, a two-time Asian champion, and emerged victorious with her accurate punching techniques and quick feet to counterattack.

Lovlina Borgohain, the Tokyo Olympic bronze medalist, marked her win over Australia’s Caitlin Anne Parker by a 5-2 split in the 75 kg category, securing India’s fourth and final gold medal of the competition. Lovlina showcased her gallant show in the 70-75kg category and added another feather to her cap with her third time World’s medal.

All these four champions have been bestowed with cash prizes worth Rs. 82.7 lakhs ($100,000) each for becoming World Champions. This remarkable feat achieved by India’s ‘Fab Four’ at the World Boxing Competition 2023 is a momentous achievement that will go down in history as a proud and intense positive moment for India.