Nikhat Zareen on Thursday became the fifth Indian, after Mary Kom, Sarita Devi, Jenny RL and Lekha KC, to win a gold medal at the Women’s World Championship. The 25-year-old defeated Thailand’s Jitpong Jutamas in the final of the 52kg category. 

The former junior youth world champion showcased her brilliance in the finals. The judges scored the bout 30-27, 29-28, 29-28, 30-27, 29-28 in her favour. 

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In the first round, Zareen landed far more punches than her Thai opponent. The second round was rated 3-2 in Jutamas’ favour. The Indian boxer then came back strong in the third round to record a 5-0 unanimous decision in her favour.

Zareen had beaten Jutamas, their only meeting, in the 2019 Thailand Open semi-final. She went on to win the silver medal in the tournament. On Thursday, she delivered some clear punched throughout and attacked relentlessly. 

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Nikhat Zareen’s gold is India’s first since boxing great Mary Kom won it in 2018.

“Congratulation to the world champion @nikhat_zareen.well played,” India women’s hockey captain Rani Rampal congratulated the boxer on Twitter. 

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“Congratulations @nikhat_zareen .. and to all in her corner. Todun Taak!” Bollywood actor Farhan Akhtar tweeted. 

“Congratulations @nikhat_zareen on becoming the only 5th Indian woman boxer to win Gold Medal in the World Championships held at Istanbul, Turkey. We are extremely proud of your huge achievement for India,” Union minsiter Kiran Rijiju said. 

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 Manisha Moun and Parveen Hooda finished the 57 kg and 63 kg categories with bronze as the Indian contingent concluded its campaign with three medals. The tournament saw a record 310 boxers from 73 countries participate. 

With the wins in Istanbul, India’s boxing medal tally has gone up to 39. This includes 10 golds, eight silver and 21 bronze. Russia leads the charts with 60 medals and China follows with 50.