Ankushita Boro and Nikhat Zareen Shine in Elite Women's Boxing Showdown

Former youth world champion Ankushita Boro demonstrated her prowess on the second day of the Elite Women's Boxing Tournament, securing a spot in the semi-finals of the 65kg category with a decisive 5:0 victory over Rajasthan's Parthvi. On the same day, home favorite and two-time world champion Nikhat Zareen thrilled the Hyderabad audience with her commanding 5:0 win against Kalpana in the 51kg division.

The tournament, organized by the Telangana Boxing Federation in conjunction with the Boxing Federation of India and the Sports Authority of Telangana, showcases prominent contenders and upcoming talents from across the country. Featuring 15 units, including the top 12 from the recent Elite Nationals, host team Telangana, the SAI NCOE Combined team, and the TOPS Talent & Development squad, the competition forms a critical part of BFI's strategy to refine national talent and identify future stars.

In other quarterfinal highlights, Preeti (54kg), Jyoti (51kg), and Devika Ghorpade (51kg) secured their places in the semi-finals with unanimous victories. Tamil Nadu's V. Lakshaya (51kg) achieved a 5:0 triumph over Laxmi Devi, while Tanu (54kg), Shashi (65kg), and Yashi Sharma (65kg) progressed with strong performances. Ankushita Boro's TOPS teammate, Gitimoni Gogoi, advanced in the 70kg category via RSC, and Babirojsana Chanu (57kg) notched a stoppage victory in the second round. The tournament acts as a gateway to the elite national camp in Patiala and continues at Hyderabad's Saroornagar Indoor Stadium, with semi-finals scheduled for Monday.

(With inputs from agencies.)