Scripting history, exuberant Indian pugilists Nitu Ghanghas and Saweety Boora were crowned as World Champions for the first time after registering contrasting victories in the finals of the IBA Women's World Boxing Championship at the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex.
While the 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medallist Nitu (48kg) defeated Lutsaikhan Altantsetseg of Mongolia with a 5-0 scoreline to clinch her first World Championships medal, three-time Asian medallist Saweety (81kg) had to grind hard to secure a 4-3 win on points after the bout was reviewed against Wang Lina of China to clinch her second Worlds medal.
Maintaining her red-hot form, Nitu (48kg) utilized her attacking supremacy from close range and smart movement to make light work of the two-time Asian bronze medallist Lutsaikhan. The 22-year-old pugilist from Bhiwani started off the bout energetically by landing a quick flurry of punches on the Mongolian and showcased a brilliant combination of relentless attack and resolute defence to seal the win by unanimous decision.
"I am very happy after winning the gold medal. I fell short in my quest for the gold last year so we worked on the mistakes and won it this time round in front of the home support. Having discussed with my coaches yesterday I had decided to be aggressive since the first round today to get the scores in my favour. I have been working hard for many years and this medal means a lot to me," said Nitu after her bout.
Competing in her second World Championships final, Saweety faced a tough challenge against the 2018 World Champion Wang Lina. However, the Indian made use of her high technical ability and strength throughout the bout to impressively overpower her opponent in the closely contested bout.
"I am thrilled after fulfilling my dream of becoming the World Champion. The bout went well and I was able execute our planning perfectly. My performances in the tournament got better as the bouts progressed with my body also responding well. I want to thank the fans for their constant love and support," said Saweety after the bout.
Both pugilists were awarded with INR 82.7 lakhs ($100,000) each in prize money for being crowned as the World Champions.
Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankar congratulated Nikhat Zareen, Lovlina Borgohain, Nitu Ghanghas and Saweety Boora for winning the gold medals at the Women's World Boxing Championships and said pugilists "outstanding" accomplishments will steer India's future to great heights.
"This is a proud moment for all of us. Our women boxers have created history in the Women's World Boxing Championship held in New Delhi by winning 4 gold medals.
"Our congratulations to Nikhat Zareen, Lovlina Borgohain, Nitu Ghanghas and Saweety Boora. Their outstanding accomplishments will steer India's future to great heights, inspiring and motivating young aspiring athletes," he added," he said.
(ANI)