Tough Road Ahead for Indian Boxers at Paris Olympics

India’s boxing contingent faces a stern challenge at the Paris 2024 Olympics after a daunting draw was unveiled in opening matches. The likes of Nikhat Zareen and Lovlina Borgohain, the country’s leading medal hopes, have been pitted against formidable opponents.

Two-time world champion Nikhat Zareen will kick off her campaign against Germany’s Maxi Carina Kloetzer in the round of 32 of the women’s 50kg category. However, a potential clash with reigning Asian Games champion Wu Yu of China looms large in the round of 16.

Wu Yu, the top seed in the category and also the reigning world champion in 52kg, poses a significant threat to Zareen’s Olympic aspirations.

Even if Zareen manages to overcome the Chinese challenge, the path forward remains treacherous with potential quarter-final encounters against Thailand’s Chuthamat Raksat or Uzbekistan’s Sabina Bobokulova.

Notably, Bobokulova defeated Zareen in the recent Strandja Memorial final, while Raksat triumphed over her in the Asian Games semi-finals.

Tokyo 2020 bronze medalist Lovlina Borgohain, competing in the women’s 75kg, will open her campaign against Norway’s Sunniva Hofstad.

A potential quarter-final showdown with China’s Li Qian, the reigning Asian Games champion who defeated Borgohain in the final, adds to the complexity of her journey.

In other draws, Jaismine Lamboria will face Tokyo 2020 silver medalist Nesthy Petecio of the Philippines in the women’s 57kg, while Preeti Pawar will take on Vietnam’s Vo Thi Kim Anh in the women’s 54kg.

On the men’s side, Amit Panghal and Nishant Dev received first-round byes in the 51kg and 71kg categories, respectively. Panghal will face Zambia’s Patrick Chinyemba, a Tokyo 2020 Olympian, while Dev will fight Ecuador’s Jose Rodriguez Tenorio.

The boxing competition at Paris 2024 commences on July 27 at the Arena Paris Nord.