Shock Exit for Nikhat Zareen: Trials Bring Transparency in Boxing Selection

In a surprising turn of events, two-time world champion Nikhat Zareen was ousted from the Commonwealth and Asian Games trials on Thursday. This unexpected loss occurred as the Boxing Federation of India returned to a trial-based selection system after criticisms over the previous assessment-based approach.

Boxers have praised the reinstated trial method, citing its transparency and fairness compared to the assessment method introduced in 2023. The assessment process had been under scrutiny for allegations of bias, prompting the Sports Authority of India (SAI) to temporarily suspend it for its lack of transparency.

With the new system, boxers like Services player Sakshi Chaudhary, who defeated Zareen, now have clarity in their performance evaluation. Successful athletes from the trials will head to Czechia for preparation camps, while backup players aim for international exposure in the upcoming World Boxing Cup in China.

(With inputs from agencies.)