Paris Olympics 2024: Nikhat Zareen marks debut with comprehensive win

Nikhat Zareen sets up round of 16 clash with top seed at Paris Olympics 2024.

Indian women’s boxer Nikhat Zareen registered a win in the women’s 50kg round of 32 match at the Paris Olympics 2024 after defeating Germany’s Maxi Carina Kloetzer via a unanimous decision held at the Arena Paris Nord on July 28.

The first round saw both boxers look to attack from the word go, but the German boxer edged the round 3-2 on the judges’ cards. Nikhat Zareen found it tough at times, but she dug deep and delivered lethal punches to step ahead on the judges’ cards.

The second round made a lot of difference in terms of the pace of the bout. Nikhat Zareen came out firing, and took the lead. Kloetzer did not keep her head up which resulted in a point deduction. The lead was shortened after a point deduction on Nikhat Zareen for holding.

Still, with her experience and strategy, Zareen was able to turn the fight around in this period, reflecting on her ability to adapt and make any change whatsoever when anything goes against her plan in a high-pressure situation.

By the third round, it was clear how tired both fighters were. Drawing from experience and in-ring endurance, Zareen weathered Kloetzer’s relentless pursuit of her, clearly avoiding her attacks visibly. The German boxer received multiple warnings from the referee for grappling.

Also Read: India at Paris Olympics 2024: Boxing schedule, squad, live streaming details

With the clear conditioning and ring generalship advantage, Zareen dominated the final round to secure a clear 5-0 win.

This victory takes Zareen into the round of 16, where she is scheduled to face top-seeded Wu Yu of China. Wu Yu is a reigning world champion in the 52kg category and took gold at the Asian Games last year, so the bout is going to be one of the big challenges for Zareen.

The Indian boxers will again be on action on July 30. Amit Panghal and Jaismine Lamboria will be fighting their bouts in 51kg and 57 kg divisions respectively. Panghal will take on Zambia’s Patrick Chinyemba, while Lamboria will face Nesthy Petecio of the Philippines, a silver medallist from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Both bouts will be key contests that look to set the tone for India’s boxing fortunes at Paris Olympics 2024.

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