Two-time world champion and Asian Games bronze medalist boxer Nikhat Zareen kicked off her Paris Olympics with a win. The Indian boxer defeated Germany’s Maxi Kloetzer in the women’s 50kg Round of 32. Despite trailing after the first round, the Indian pugilist made a strong comeback to secure a unanimous 5-0 decision in a fiercely contested match at the North Paris Arena on Sunday.
Early lead from German boxer
Nikhat did not have a good start to the bout, as the German boxer started with soe attacking punches. But Zareen expertly forced her way back to the centre of the ring, connecting some lusty blows.
The German puinglist, used her jab and makes it in the first round by 3-2 by split verdict.
Nikhat fights back
The second round kicked off with both boxers exchanging punches furiously. Zareen soon found her rhythm and landed several powerful hooks on Kloetzer. Zareen demonstrated her tactical skill to the judges.
Later Kloetzer lost a point for failing to keep her head up, but Zareen quickly lost the advantage when she was penalised for holding moments later.
The third round saw Zareens victory
After two exhausting rounds, Zareen continued to deliver precise punches while Kloetzer, looking weary, resorted to grappling. The referee cautioned Kloetzer several times as Zareen took the round and secured the win.
Zareen and Preeti advance
Zareen is the second Indian boxer to compete in the Paris Olympics till now. Late on Saturday, Asian Games bronze medallist Preeti Pawar also began her campaign strongly, securing a unanimous decision victory over Vietnam’s Vo Thi Kim Anh to advance to the pre-quarterfinals in the women’s 54kg category.
