Three Indian boxers who competed at the International Boxing Association (IBA) Women’s World Boxing Championships on Saturday were on course to enter the pre-quarterfinals of their respective weight classes.
Nitu Ghanghas, Preeti and Manju Bamboriya stayed the course on the third day of the competition, which takes place here at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Sports Complex.
Nitu Ghanghas, the 2022 Commonwealth Games champion, edged out South Korea’s Kang Do-Yeon to advance to the next round of the 48kg category. The 22-year-old boxer from Haryana was quick on the attack to win points and before the Korean boxer could calm down, the referee stopped the bout in favor of the Indian boxer.
Nitu said she was well prepared for her opening fight against the South Korean, but expressed satisfaction at winning the first round.
“I was prepared to face the South Korean boxer, but it was an advantage to have won in the first round,” said Nitu after her first round victory. “I will watch the video of my opponent in the next round and prepare accordingly.”
Nitu’s opponent in the next round will be Sumaiya Qosimova from Tajikistan.
While Preeti scored a 4-3 victory over Romania’s Lacramioara Perijoc to enter the 54kg quarterfinal, Manju beat New Zealand’s Cara Wharerau 5-0 in the 66kg category.
Preet had the challenging task of proving herself against the 2022 world championships silver medalist. After the victory, he expressed his satisfaction:
“I am satisfied to give my best in the first round match against the boxer from Romania. It was important for me to win,” Preeti said.
It was Preeti’s second win in the competition and he will face Jutamas Jitpong of Thailand in the round of 16.
However, it was a nervous start for Manju in the 66kg bout, but he adjusted to his pace as the bout progressed.
“I had better reach than my opponent. It was an advantage for me,” revealed Manju.
Meanwhile, 2022 African champion Imane Khelif of Algeria beat Asiko Friza Anyango of Kenya in the 66kg class. The referee stopped the fight in the first round in favor of the Algerian boxer.
Sunday is expected to be an action-packed day as several Olympic Games medalists and world champions, including India’s Nikhat Zareen, will be in action in their respective weight classes.
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