New Delhi is set to become the capital of the 2023 IBA Women’s Boxing World Championships in 70 days. Host nation India is poised to take on the whole world at the end of December, choosing the best of her 302 entrants for the Women’s Nationals.
With New Delhi’s final squad yet to be decided, the 12 winners of the national competition in Bhopal could be strong contenders for the world championship at home.
Defending world champion Nihat Zareen confirmed her dominance in the 50kg division after winning the 6th Women’s National Championships. Lovrina Borgohayn, Olympic bronze medalist, Athletes’ Commission Chair and her IBA Board member, celebrated her victory in the 75kg division with confidence.
23-year-old Manju Rani, silver medalist at the 2019 World Championships in 48kg, won the final in Bhopal to become the bronze medalist at the 2022 World Championships in Manisha (57kg).
Several youth world champions have proven their right to be in the top team this year. Poonam (60kg), Sanamacha Tokchom Chanu (70kg), Shashi Chopra (63kg), Sakshi (52kg).
In the 81kg class, defending Asian champion Saweety, who deserved a domestic gold medal as the silver medalist at the 2014 World Championships, took the win.
Shiksha (54kg) won the silver medal at the 2019 South Asian Games and is currently number one in her weight category. Last year she entered the 2022 World Championships, but she was eliminated in the round of 16 and is seeking redemption at the 2023 event.
Manju Bamboria (66kg) won the 2019 South Asian Games and became the national champion in December. Additionally, Nupur (+81kg) celebrated her first elite title and the strongest status in her division.
All in all, the host nation is in a good spot for the upcoming IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships and we look forward to sharing all the highlights.
