Olympic medalists Lovlina Borgohain and Nikhat Zareen will compete at the World Boxing Championships to be held in Turkey from May 6-21. A total of 12 boxers including Nikhat and Lovlina are set to participate in this competition, which is a much needed litmus test. Ahead of the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games to be held later this year.
The team, comprising 12 boxers and 11 support staff, left India on 20 April and began a training camp in Turkey until 5 May before the competition. The Government of India has sanctioned a total amount of Rs 92.12 lakh for the training camp and competition facility for the team.
“I’m really excited and confident [about competing at the World Championship], Lately, I’ve been in a good run and I hope to continue. I have prepared well for this. I analyzed my performance and worked on the things in which I was lacking. I will give my best in the World Championships,” Nikhat Zareen told Sports Authority of India.
Nikhat is set to participate in the Asian Games later this year in the women’s 51kg category. She is training at the Sai National Center of Excellence IG Stadium, Delhi along with the rest of the women’s boxing team. Apart from Nikhat, Manisha Moun (57kg), Jasmine (60kg), Lovlina (69kg) and Sweety Boora (75kg) have sealed berths from the women’s team for the Asian Games 2022.
Speaking about the evolution of her sports training at the SAI centers over the years, Nikhat mentioned, “I have improved my game both physically and mentally. I have become a technical boxer now. Better than training. Benefits have been achieved. In SAI centers like we get good coaches, good training facilities, proper diet etc. All the needs of the athlete are taken care of.
Nikhat Zareen said, “We can train at any SAI center during the season which really helps an athlete financially and stays at top fitness. I am really grateful to SAI for whatever they have given us. I am really grateful for the help given.”
Boxers participating in Elite Women’s World Boxing Championship, Turkey: Neetu Ghanghas, Anamika, Nikhat Zareen, Shiksha, Jasmine, Manisha, Parveen Hooda, Ankushita Boro, Lovlina, Sweety, Pooja Rani, Nandini.