Indian boxer Nikhat Zareen added another feather to her cap by winning the gold medal at the 2025 AIBA Women’s World Boxing Championships held in Istanbul, Turkey. Competing in the 52kg category, Nikhat’s remarkable skill, speed, and strategic prowess helped her outbox some of the best pugilists in the world and claim the top podium spot.

Her victory is particularly significant as it follows her silver medal at the 2023 World Championships, showcasing her growth and determination to be the best.

Road to Glory

Nikhat’s path to gold was paved with impressive wins. In the quarterfinals, she defeated a formidable opponent from the USA by unanimous decision. The semifinal saw her edge out a tough Russian boxer in a close 4-1 points victory.

In the final, Nikhat faced Kazakhstan’s reigning champion, known for aggressive fighting style, but with tactical footwork and counterpunching, she controlled the match to win by a unanimous 5-0 decision.

Training and Preparation

Nikhat trains at the Sports Authority of India Centre in Hyderabad under coach Mukul Kumar, focusing on speed, defense, and ring generalship. She also credits her disciplined diet and mental conditioning for peak performance.

Her rigorous preparation included international training camps in Europe and sparring with elite boxers to simulate world-class competition.

Impact on Indian Boxing

Nikhat’s gold is hailed as a landmark achievement for Indian women’s boxing. It reinforces India’s emergence as a serious contender on the global boxing stage, especially in women’s categories.

The Boxing Federation of India (BFI) has pledged increased funding and resources to support women boxers, expanding grassroots programs to nurture talent.

National Acclaim and Awards

Nikhat received a warm welcome upon returning to India, with the government announcing a cash prize of ₹2 crore. She was also conferred the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, India’s highest sporting honor.

Social media celebrated her success with trending hashtags like #NikhatChampion and #IndiaBoxingGold.

Future Goals

Looking ahead, Nikhat aims to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics and defend her title at the 2026 World Championships. She also intends to mentor younger boxers and promote boxing in rural areas.

Conclusion

Nikhat Zareen’s world championship gold is a symbol of perseverance, talent, and national pride. Her journey continues to inspire countless young athletes, especially girls, to dream big and fight hard.