Six Indian boxers reach Strandja Memorial 2024 Finals

Nikhat Zareen, a two-time world champion, and Commonwealth Games gold medalist Amit Panghal delivered convincing performances, advancing to the finals among four other Indian boxers at the 75th Strandja Memorial Tournament in Sofia, Bulgaria, on Saturday. Nikhat (50kg) fought Zlatislava Chukanova in the day’s first semifinal, with the Bulgarian pugilist receiving great support from the fans. Nikhat started the match carefully, taking some time to find her rhythm. However, she maintained control of the game and won the round 3-2.

Nikhat was clinical in the second round, leaving no opportunity for her Bulgarian opponent to mount an assault and landing several accurate strikes. Nkhat maintained her calm in the third round, denying her opponent any opportunity of a comeback and winning the match 5-0. Nilkhat will face Uzbekistan’s Sabina Bobokulova for the gold medal on Sunday.

Amit Panghal (51kg) stunned defending world champion Sanzhar Tashkenbay, winning 5-0. Amit crushed his opponent with exquisite precision and speed, just like he had done in prior tournaments. He was on target on the majority of times with his signature jab and left hook, and he never lost control of the fight for a second. The Indian grew increasingly dominant during the fight, and he continued to assault even in the third round.

Throughout the match, his opponent looked for a way out, but Amit stayed firm, winning his fourth consecutive unanimous decision of the tournament to claim the gold medal. Unlike in the first round, Sachin (57kg) needed some time to settle in against Uzbekistan’s Shakhzod Muzafarov. Both were equally dominant in the first round, with Sachin winning by a narrow 3-2 margin. The Haryana fighter gained confidence as the fight went, and he utilised his height advantage and flawless punch timing in the second and third rounds to win 5-0.

Arundhati (66kg) easily defeated Slovakia’s Jessica Triebelova, winning 5-0. Arundhati will have a difficult competition from China’s Yang Liu, the incumbent World and Asian champion. Barun (48kg) extended India’s domination with a 5-0 unanimous decision victory over Algeria’s Khenoussi Kamel. He will face Kyrgyzstan’s Khodzhiev Anvarzhan in the final on Sunday.

Rajat (67kg) also advanced to the finals after his semi-final opponent, Guruli Lasha of Georgia, awarded him a walkover. Akash (71kg) and Naveen Kumar (92kg) will be competing later tonight. Akash will face Ikboljon Kholdarov of Uzbekistan, while Naveen Kumar will take on Georgii Kushitashvili of Georgia.