Nikhar Zareen, the reigning two-time world champion, will have to remain content with a bronze medal after the ace Indian pugilist went down fighting against Chuthamat Raksat of Thailand in the women’s 50kg semifinal on Day 8 of the Asian Games 2023. This is Nikhat’s maiden Asiad medal, but the 27-year-old would be disappointed at not bettering it with a gold. In a closely-contested bout, Nikhat and Raksat fought tooth and nail before the judges awarded ruled 3-2 in favour of the two-time bronze medallist at the World Championships.
Made to sweat in her quest for fighting for gold, Nikhat faced a stiff test in from Raksat. Nikhat stared off cautiously taking a couple of sharp jabs to her face, but after the referee separated the two, Nikhat knew it was her time to take off. Despite throwing a flurry of punches – some connected, others didn’t – Nikhat stayed in the game, with the judges ruling slightly in her favour.
Raksat was a lot more aggressive in the second round and caught Nikhat off guard. The boxing contest turned into wrestling for a bit, with the referee having to intervene more than once to restore parity. Nikhat however, was not at her best though, her punches missing the mark and face becoming a canvas for Raksat to land some of her fierce punches. Despite staying alive, the judges were convinced, that the round belonged to Raksat 3-2
Nikhat came out all guns blazing in the final round by unleashing a rapid flurry of punches. The current world champion was resolute in her quest for victory in this fiercely contested match but Raksat’s unwavering determination and resilience against the two-time world champion was praiseworthy. A caution for unsportsmanlike behaviour was administered to Raksat at this juncture. But even as Nikhat skilfully delivered substantial blows in the closing stages, positioning herself for a potential spot in the final showdown. However, when it came to the final decision, it was Raksat, whose hand went up in victory.
