BFI announces squad for Women’s World Boxing tourney

Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist Lovlina Borgohain and reigning world champion Nikhat Zareen will lead the charge as Boxing Federation of India (BFI) on Monday announced the 12 member Indian squad for the IBA Womens World Boxing Championships 2023, set to be held from March 15 to 26 at the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex, here. 2020 Tokyo Bronze medallist, Lovlina Borgohain (75kg) has two World Championships bronze medals to her name so far and will join seven other Olympic medallists boxing for glory in the upcoming Championships. Nikhat Zareen, on the other hand, will defend her title in the 50kg category. She became the world champion in the 2022 IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships held in Istanbul, Turkey. Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medallist Nitu Ghanghas will also represent the country in the 48kg category. The two-time Youth World Champion will look to add yet another major medal to her name. “In the last few years, India has become a powerhouse of boxing and we intend to further cement our standing with this talented contingent for the IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships. It’s a line-up of champions and I am sure that they’ll bring glory to the country again,” said Ajay Singh, President of the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) in a media release. Manisha Moun who announced herself on the global stage with impressive performances at the 2018 World Championships in Delhi will be representing the country in the highly competitive 57kg featherweight category. Manisha won the bronze medal at the 2022 World Championships. 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Jaismine Lamboria has been a quarter finalist in the 2022 edition and will box in the 60kg category. Young pugilists Preeti and Sanamacha Chanu will represent India in the 54kg and 70 kg category respectively. Preeti won a bronze medal at the 2022 Asian Championships whereas Sanamcha is 2021 Youth World Champion and recently became the National Champion in her category