Dominating the boxing ring, Indian dhakkad girls win three gold in Asian Youth Championships

Bangkok, April 28: World youth champion Nitu Ghanghas led the charge as India’s women boxers dominated the Asian Youth Championships, claiming three gold medals at Bangkok on Friday.

 

Nitu Ghanghas, who is already a world youth gold-medallist, defeated Thailand’s Nillada Meekoon by a unanimous decision to seal gold in 48kg women’s category. While Manisha handed India their second gold by thrashing Idimokh Kholova of Tajakhstan by split decision in the 64kg category, Lalita bagged the third gold of the day in the 69kg event.

Overall, the Indians signed off with three gold, four silver and four bronze medals in the event, which was also a qualifying tournament for the Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires later in the year. Nitu’s dominating win was laced with straight punches, accurate and powerful against her much fancied opponent.

While Manisha handed India their second gold by thrashing Idimokh Kholova of Tajakhstan by split decision in the 64kg category, Lalita bagged the third gold of the day in the 69kg event.

Meanwhile, Ankit Khatana (60 kg) and Anamika (51kg) had settled for silver medals after putting up a valiant fight in the finals of the tournament. Ankit slumped to defeat against Thailand’s Atichai Phoemsap in the men’s 60kg category, while Anamika unfortunately faltered in the finals to lose to Zhansaya Abdraimova of Kazakhstan.

India also picked up two bronze medals on the final day via Astha Pahwa (75kg women’s category) and Divya Pawar (54kg category).

As for qualification to Youth Olympics, none of the Indian boxers could make the cut for Buenos Aires as they did not win gold medals in the categories that would feature at the Games.