Paris: India's best medal hope in boxing Nikhat Zareen's Paris Olympics campaign ended after a loss against Asian Games gold medalist China's Wu Yu in the women’s 50kg round of 16.
Wu, the top seed pugilist, showcased her superior technique and agility from the outset. She dominated the first round, leveraging her experience and tactical prowess to gain an early lead.
Nikhat, a two-time world champion, made a commendable comeback in the second round, displaying sharp counter-punching and defensive skills. However, the round remained close, with Wu slightly edging it out.
The third and final round saw the Chinese regain full control, using her speed and precision to outmaneuver the Indian. Despite Zareen's best efforts to mount an offense, the Chinese boxer's pace and accuracy ensured a clear victory.
The judges unanimously awarded the bout to Wu, marking the end of Nikhat's debut Olympic campaign.
Coming into this bout, Nikhat had lost just two bouts since 2022. She’s also the Commonwealth Games champion and an Asian Games bronze medalist.
Earlier in the tournament, the 28-year-old Nikhat defeated Germany's Maxi Carina Kloetzer by unanimous decision in the round of 32.
PV Sindhu seals pre-quarters berthParis: Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu defeated Estonia's Kristin Kuuba 21-5, 21-10 in the women's singles Group M match at the 2024 Paris Games. Sindhu secured the win in just 34 minutes and topped the group with two wins to advance to the round of 16 stage. In her opening match, the ace Indian defeated Maldives' Fathimath Nabaaha Abdul Razzaq. Sindhu, who is playing her third successive Olympics, has never returned empty-handed from the Summer Games, having claimed silver at her debut Games at Rio 2016 before clinching bronze at the Tokyo Games. |
