Did Sakshi and Chanu Shine in the World Boxing Championships?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Pawan Bartwal starts India’s campaign with a victory.
- Sakshi and Chanu advance to the next rounds.
- 10 Indian boxers received first-round byes.
- Indian boxing is gaining international recognition.
- The Championships are hosted by the newly formed World Boxing Council.
Liverpool, Sep 5 (NationPress) Sakshi and Thokchom Sanamacha Chanu achieved victory in their respective matches with distinct tactics after Pawan Bartwal kickstarted India’s campaign on a high note during the World Boxing Championships in Liverpool, UK, on Thursday.
Bartwal triumphed over Brazil’s Michael Douglas Trindade, a contender in the Paris Olympics, in a nail-biting men’s 55kg bout, showcasing the strength of the Indian team as they entered the competition.
Sakshi continued the momentum by decisively defeating her Ukrainian rival Viktoriia Shkeul, winning the first round 5-0 and concluding the match with a remarkable RSC (Referee Stopped Contest) victory in the second round on Thursday.
Chanu secured a hard-earned win in her debut match as she prevailed over Denmark’s Ditte Frostholm with a score of 4-1, moving forward in the women’s 70kg category on Thursday.
Their victories followed the first-round byes for 10 Indian boxers, including Olympic bronze medallist Lovlina Borgohain (women’s 70kg), two-time World Championship medallist Nikhat Zareen (women’s 51kg), medal hopeful Hitesh Gulia (men’s 70kg), and Abhinash Jamwal (men’s 65kg), allowing them to avoid challenging opponents in the early stages.
Bartwal showcased his boxing skills under pressure in the final round, skillfully defending against his Brazilian opponent and impressing the judges with his striking to win the bout 3:2.
The competitors were tied after the first two rounds, with Trindade managing to level the playing field in the second round.
India has dispatched a 20-member team to the inaugural World Championships, organized by the World Boxing Council, a newly established international governing body for boxing, aiming to cement its growing influence in the world of boxing.
While Gulia, Jamwal, and Lovlina enjoyed a bye in the opening round, Nikhat Zareen is set to face Jennifer Lozana from the USA.
This 20-member contingent is determined to deliver a formidable performance at the inaugural World Championships, with prospects significantly enhanced by the return of Nikhat, a former world champion and bronze medallist from the Tokyo Olympics, along with Lovlina.