Telengana’s Nikhat Zareen breezed past Anju Sabu of Kerala while recently crowned gold medallist from the World Youth Championship, Shashi Chopra of Haryana continued her good run of form as she defeated Shamim Banu of Manipur to advance to the next round of the Nationals.
In the flyweight category, Zareen, who was coming back to the ring after a year’s gap due to injury, was in fine form as she decimated her opponent and landed her jabs with great conviction from the first round.
Even though the bout went down to the wire, Zareen went away with the honors with a comprehensive 5-0 win. “I’m happy to come back to the ring after a year’s gap due to injury and I felt in great touch as I returned to the ring for my first fight in one year and I would like to continue this form and challenge for the gold medal,” the 21-year-old said.
In another enticing clash of the Featherweight category, Shashi advanced to the next round and will look to challenge for the crown as she beat Shameen Banu in a lop-sided affair, which finished 5-0 to the Hisar-born pugilist.