Elite Women's Boxing: Nitu, Saweety, Lovlina, Nikhat enter finals

Hyderabad, June 30 (IANS) World Championships and Commonwealth Games gold medallist Nitu Ghanghas defeated Railways’ Manju Rani to enter the final in the 48kg category of the Elite Women’s Boxing Tournament here on Monday, setting up a title bout with Chanchal (SAI N). World Champion Saweety Boora also delivered a commanding performance in the 80kg semifinal, outclassing Babita Bisht of All India Police 5:0 at the Saroornagar Indoor Stadium here.

Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 medallist Lovlina Borgohain cruised into the 75kg final after overpowering Sneha (Uttar Pradesh) via first-round stoppage (RSC). Earlier in the day, two-time World Champion Nikhat Zareen impressed once again on home turf, defeating V. Lakshaya with a clean 5:0 decision and setting up a 51kg final clash against Jyoti (RSPB).

Organised by the Telangana Boxing Federation under the aegis of the Boxing Federation of India and the Sports Authority of Telangana, the tournament brings together top-tier names and emerging prospects from across the country. With 15 participating units - including 12 from the recent Elite Nationals, host Telangana, the SAI NCOE Combined team, and the TOPS Talent & Development squad - the competition is part of BFI’s ongoing initiative to refine the national pool and scout future stars.

In the 65kg division, former Youth World Champion Ankushita Boro (TOPS) outboxed Amita Kundu (AIP) to win 5:0 and will take on Shashi (RSPB), who beat Telangana’s Yashi Sharma by the same margin. Preeti (TOPS) and Tanu (SSCB) won their respective 54kg semifinals to set up a high-octane final, while Babirojsana Chanu (RSPB) and Kamaljeet Kaur Gill (AIP) progressed in 57kg, the latter after a 3:2 split decision victory.

Among other standout names, Alfiya Pathan (RSPB) recorded an RSC win in the second round to reach the 80kg final, where she will meet Saweety. Ritika (SAI N) and Shivani Tomar (AIP) will face off in the 80+kg final after decisive wins over Neha (RSPB) and Mankirat Kaur (PUN), respectively.

With national camp spots on the line, the finals promise high-quality contests between established champions and the next wave of contenders. The event concludes on Tuesday at the Saroornagar Indoor Stadium, Hyderabad.

--IANS

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