India’s boxing contingent at the Paris Olympics faces a mixed bag of fortunes, with Nikhat Zareen drawn into a tough bracket while Nishant Dev enjoys a relatively favorable path to the medal rounds.
Nikhat Zareen: Road to Paris Olympics medal is tough
Nikhat Zareen, the reigning world champion, has been handed a challenging draw in the women’s 50kg category. Unseeded due to the IOC’s non-recognition of IBA titles, she faces a grueling path to the medal rounds. Her opening bout against Germany’s Maxi Klotzer is expected to be manageable, but a potential clash with top seed Wu Yu in the Round of 16 looms large.
Nikhat Zareen’s journey to the medal rounds will be fraught with challenges. She could potentially face either Uzbekistan’s Sabina Bobokulova or Thailand’s Chuthamat Raksat in the quarterfinals, both of whom have defeated her in recent competitions. However, the determined boxer has shown remarkable resilience and is capable of overcoming these hurdles.
Despite the tough draw, Zareen’s skill, experience, and fighting spirit make her a strong contender for a medal. Her journey will be closely followed by boxing fans across the country.
Nishant Dev: India’s medal hope in boxing
Favorable Draw for Nishant
- Bye in First Round: Nishant directly qualifies for the Round of 16.
- Early Rounds: Faces Ecuador’s Jose Rodriguez in the Round of 16, a match he is expected to win comfortably.
- Quarterfinal Challenge: Potential matchup against Pan American champion Marco Verde, whom Nishant defeated previously.
- Semi-Final Hurdle: Could face tough opponents like World Champion Aslanbek Shymbergenov, Asian Games champion Sewon Okazawa, Commonwealth Games bronze medalist Lewis Richardson, or European Games silver medalist Vahid Abasov.
- Medal Prospects: Strong chance of securing at least a bronze medal due to favorable draw and impressive form. Considered one of the most promising boxers in his weight division.
Nishant Dev should medal at Paris Olympics
In contrast to Nikhat, Nishant Dev has been handed a relatively favorable draw in the men’s 71kg category. Receiving a bye in the opening round, he will begin his campaign against Ecuador’s Jose Rodriguez in the Round of 16.
The Indian boxer is expected to comfortably progress to the quarterfinals where he could face Pan American champion Marco Verde. While Verde poses a threat, Nishant has a previous victory over the Mexican.
The subsequent rounds will be more challenging, with potential matchups against world champions like Aslanbek Shymbergenov or Olympic medalist Sewon Okazawa. However, Nishant’s recent form and performances suggest that he is capable of causing upsets.
With a clear path to the medal rounds, Nishant is India’s best bet for a boxing medal at the Paris Olympics. His journey will be closely watched by fans, who are hopeful that he can deliver a podium finish.
While Nikhat Zareen faces a daunting task, Nishant Dev’s favorable draw offers India a glimmer of hope for a boxing medal. Both boxers will need to be at their best to overcome the challenges that lie ahead.
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