Two-time world champion Nikhat Zareen kicked off her campaign at the Elite Women’s Boxing Tournament 2025 with a dominant 4:1 victory over Rashi Sharma of Uttar Pradesh in the 48–51kg category, held at the Saroornagar Indoor Stadium in Hyderabad. The Telangana pugilist showcased her trademark aggression and ring control to secure a confident start in front of a home crowd.
🥊 Day 1 Highlights: Upsets and Dominance
The opening day of the tournament featured several standout performances:
- Anjali (Haryana) stunned World Championships bronze medallist Manisha Moun with a 3:1 win in the 57–60kg category
- Nitu (Haryana), 2023 world champion, cruised past Rajani Singh (UP) with a 5:0 verdict in the 45–48kg division
- Yashi Sharma (Telangana) and Laxmi (TOPS) also posted emphatic 5:0 wins in their respective bouts
The tournament, organized by the Telangana Boxing Federation under the aegis of the Boxing Federation of India (BFI), features top boxers from 15 units, including elite national teams, Services, and the TOPS Core & Development squad.
🏆 Road to National Camp in Patiala
The competition spans 10 weight categories, and the gold and silver medallists from each will earn selection to the elite national camp in Patiala, a key step toward international representation.
“It’s always special to fight in front of my home crowd. I’m focused on one bout at a time,” said Nikhat after her win.
📅 What’s Next?
The tournament continues through the week, with former World Youth Champion Ankushita Boro and other top contenders set to enter the ring. The event is being closely watched by national selectors ahead of the 2026 Asian Games and World Championships.
Stay tuned for daily highlights and medal round previews.
