Nikhat Zareen Misses Commonwealth and Asian Games Selection After Upset Loss
Quick Look
Two-time world champion Nikhat Zareen failed to secure a spot in the 2026 Commonwealth Games and Asian Games after a surprise 1-4 loss to Sakshi Chaudhary in the 51kg category semifinals of India's national boxing trials.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Nikhat Zareen, a two-time world champion, faced recent inconsistency, including a bronze at the Asian Championships and a loss to Wu Yu.
Nikhat Zareen, a two-time world champion, missed selection for the 2026 Commonwealth and Asian Games after a surprise loss to Sakshi Chaudhary in India’s national boxing trials. Sakshi, who moved down from 54kg to 51kg, won 1-4 in the semifinal, advancing to face Meenakshi Hooda in the final. The trials, resumed after the Sports Authority of India (SAI) intervened to change the selection process from assessment-based to trial-based, saw other surprise exits including Nitu Ghanghas and Hitesh Gulia. Nikhat’s loss highlights her recent inconsistency, following a bronze at the Asian Championships and a semifinal loss to Chinese Olympic champion Wu Yu.
The outcome reshapes India’s boxing squad for the upcoming games, with younger contenders seizing opportunities. The change in selection process, prompted by boxer complaints, has significantly impacted the team’s composition.
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What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Increased scrutiny of BFI's new selection process
Likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- Will Nikhat Zareen appeal the selection outcome?
