Reigning world champion and India’s top medal prospect, Nikhat Zareen has been handed a tough draw to open her campaign at the Paris Olympics 2024. Apart from Nikhat, Lovlina Borgohain too has been handed a challenging opponent in her weight category after the draws were announced on Friday, July 26.
Nikhat Zareen, who will fight in women’s 50kg, will face Germany’s Carina Kloetzer. If she manages to get past her opponent, she could face China’s Wu Yu, the top seeded and Asian Games champion in the second round. Further speaking of her timeline, if Nikhat Zareen overcomes the Chinese challenge, she might take on Thailand’s Chuthamat Raksat or Uzbekistan’s Sabina Bobokulova in the quarters.
On the other hand, Lovlina, who finished as the bronze medallist at Tokyo 2020, will take on Norway’s Sunniva Hofstad in her opening match of 57kg. In the quarterfinals, she could potentially face China’s Li Qian, who defeated her at the Asian Games last year. Whereas Jaismine is set to face Philippines’ Nesthy Petecio, who won the silver medal at Tokyo 2020, Preeti Pawar will square off against Vo Thi Kim Anh of Vietnam.
In the men’s boxing competition at the Paris Olympics, both Amit Panghal and Nishant Dev have been handed a bye and will begin their campaign in the Round of 16. Amit Phangal will take on Patrick Chinyemba from Zambia in his first bout, whereas, Nishant will take on Ecuador’s Jose Rodriquez Tenorio.
India’s Round 1 draws for Boxing at Paris 2024
July 28: Nikhat Zareen (50kg) vs Kloetzer Maxi Carina (Germany)
July 27: Preeti (54kg) vs Vo Thi Kim Anh (Vietnam)
July 30: Jaismine (57kg) vs Petecio Nesthy (Philippines)
July 31: Lovlina Borgohain (75kg) vs Hofstad Sunniva (Norway)
Amit Panghal vs Bye
Nishant vs Bye