Nikhat Zareen declines World Cup offer, opts for 51kg ahead of Olympics

Nikhat Zareen (Image credit: AIBA)

PATIALA: Nikhat Zareen has declined the national federation BFI’s offer to compete in the women’s 48kg category at next month’s senior World Cup in China, choosing instead to remain focused on her long-term ambitions in the 51kg division ahead of the Olympic qualification cycle and next year’s World Championships. “It’s already difficult for her to make 51kg since her weight generally hovers between 54-55kg normally. Dropping to 48kg could adversely affect her body, diet and performance,” a source said. It has been learnt that Nikhat’s decision prompted the federation to organise a one-off selection trial between former world champion Nitu Ghanghas and rising boxer Jyoti Gulia for the 48kg berth. The bout is expected to take place at NS NIS Patiala on Monday or Tues-day, although BFI has not officially announced the decision. The development emerged following a BFI selection committee meeting on Friday evening after the conclusion of the three-day trials here to select India’s squads for the upcoming CWG and Asian Games. TOI published the final list of selected boxers in its Saturday edition. The women’s 51kg category turned out to be the most competitive division. Former two-time world champion Nikhat entered the trials as one of the favourites. However, she was stunned by Army’s Sakshi Chaudhary, who had dropped down from 54kg to 51kg. Reigning world champion Minakshi Hooda, who competes in 48kg, had also moved up because her preferred weight class is not in the CWG and Asiad roster. She was defeated by Sakshi in the final.