CWG: Nitu Ghanghas punches to gold in women's 45-48 category

The pugilist produced a dominant performance in the gold medal match.

Nitu Ghanghas wins 5-0 on points against Demie-Jade Resztan to win gold in the women’s over 45kg – 48kg (Minimumweight) finals. Using her superior reach, the Indian pugilist banked on her left hooks throughout the three rounds. The boxer caught Resztan off guard multiple times. She won four 10-9s to Resztan’s one in the first round.

She upped her game in the second round, dictating the pace of the bout and picking the right moments to attack. Her marauding lefts made a positive impression on the judges as the scores were 20-18 20-18 20-18 20-18 19-19 to Nitu after two rounds. The final round was another flawless display, her combinations being the main talking point of the round. A comprehensive 30-26 30-26 30-27 30-27 29-28 sealed gold for India at the Commonwealth Games 2022.

Unanimous decision

Nitu eased past Canadian Priyanka Dhillon in the semi-finals after the referee stopped the contest. Her quarter-finals against Nicole Clyde were abandoned five seconds into the third round.

Born in the town of Bhiwani in Haryana, the 21-year-old southpaw flew off the blocks with spectacular displays in the youth categories. Her quick reflexes and rapid ring coverage became a major talking point in her early career. She won gold in the Golden Globe Boxing tournament in Serbia and also bagged victory in the 2017 World Youth Boxing Championships.

Her roots

Nitu Ghanghas’s father had to go against the wishes of the entire family to set up her career in boxing. He took leave from the Chandigarh Vidhan Sabha for three years to help Nitu realise her dream. Despite facing a severe financial crisis, Nitu kept her focus solely on her performances in the ring and caught the eye of Jagdish Singh, the coach who helped Vijender Singh to an Olympics Bronze medal.

Taking part in her first nationals in 2015, her rapid career rise has been astounding. She won bronze in the 2016 Youth Women’s nationals and most recently, boxed her way to a gold medal in the 2022 Strandja Memorial Tournament and making it to the quarter-finals of the World Championships.

Her other list of achievements include victory in the Golden Glove of Vojvodina Youth Boxing Tournament in Serbia and gold in the Women’s Youth Boxing Championships in Guwahati.