From one champ to another: Neeraj Chopra tells Nikhat Zareen, ‘lath gaad diya Istanbul mein’

Indian boxer Nikhat Zareen thrashed Thailand’s Jitpong Jutamas without breaking a sweat in the 52kg final with judges scoring the bout 30-27, 29-28, 29-28, 30-27, 29-28 in the Indian’s favour.

Neeraj Chopra (left) and Nikhat Zareen. (Source: Twitter)

Indian boxer Nikhat Zareen is the toast of India after an incredible win to claim gold at the Women’s World Boxing Championships in Istanbul on Thursday (May 19). Nikhat became just the fifth World Champion boxer from the country.

On Friday (May 20), Nikhat received special praise from India’s first Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra. The Tokyo Olympics gold medal-winning javelin star, wrote this on social media, “Many congratulations World Champion, @nikhat_zareen! Istanbul mei lath gaad diya”.

Neeraj went on to add, “Nikhat Zareen bohot behtareen”, celebrating the brilliant achievement by the Indian pugilist.

Many congratulations World Champion, @nikhat_zareen! Istanbul mei lath gaad diya

nikht jriin bht bhtriin | https://t.co/Uv2es2zm3j — Neeraj Chopra (@Neeraj_chopra1) May 20, 2022

Meanwhile, Nikhat’s parents expressed their happiness after she won gold at the World Boxing Championships. Nikhat Zareen’s father Jameel Ahmed who is proud of his daughter said the whole country was waiting for this gold. “It is a matter of happiness, the whole country waited for this gold. The country, people from the boxing fraternity and I are proud of her... Kavitha (TRS MLC) met us and we asked for financial support; CM sanctioned Rs 50 lakhs, it was a turning point,” he said.

Meanwhile, Nikhat Zareen’s mother Parveen Sultana also said, “I am very happy and proud of her (Nikhat Zareen). Inshallah, step by step she will reach the Olympic games.”

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao congratulated Nikhat Zareen for clinching a Gold medal at the Women’s World Boxing Championship 2022. The chief minister said it is a proud moment as Nikhat, who hails from the Nizamabad district of Telangana, stood as the world boxing champion.Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) MLC from Nizamabad, Kalvakuntla Kavitha also Nikhat Zareen.

Indian boxer Nikhat registered a dominating 5-0 victory in the final. Living up to the expectations, Nikhat thrashed Thailand’s Jitpong Jutamas without breaking a sweat in the 52kg final with judges scoring the bout 30-27, 29-28, 29-28, 30-27, 29-28 in the Indian’s favour.

The Nizamabad (Telangana)-born boxer became the only fifth Indian woman to secure a gold medal at the World Boxing Championships after record six-time champion Mary Kom (2002, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2010 and 2018), Sarita Devi (2006), Jenny RL (2006) and Lekha KC (2006). It was also India’s first gold medal since boxing great Mary Kom won it in 2018.

(with ANI inputs)