Senior National Boxing: Nikhat Zareen, Pawan Bartwal, Sumit register dominant wins to reach quarterfinals

Senior National Boxing: The Elite Men's and Women's National Boxing Championships witnessed a dominant day for some of India's top pugilists on Wednesday, as several leading names stormed into the quarterfinals with emphatic victories at Gautam Buddha University in Greater Noida.

For the first time in the competition's history, the men's and women's nationals are being held together at a single venue, drawing an impressive participation of nearly 600 boxers. Each division features 10 weight categories, turning the venue into a hub of high-intensity action.

Two-time world champion Nikhat Zareen showcased her class yet again in the women's 48-51kg category. The Telangana boxer needed barely a round to finish her bout, compelling the referee to stop

the contest against Ladakh's Kulsooma Bano due to her overwhelming control. Nikhat's sharp movement and clean punches left her opponent with no room to recover, marking another flawless performance as she cruised ahead.

In the men's draw, Pawan Bartwal, fresh off his 2025 World Boxing Cup Finals gold, dominated in the 50-55kg category. Facing Lalit, Pawan displayed precision and aggression, forcing a stoppage in the third round. Similarly, Sumit, competing in the 70-75kg division, overpowered Madhya Pradesh's Kapil, with the referee ending the contest in the final round after continuous one-way exchanges.

Earlier in the day, world champion Minakshi kept her momentum intact by securing a convincing 5-0 verdict against Jharkhand's Annu in the women's 45-48kg bracket. Minakshi's calm, composed approach and superior ring craft ensured she never looked under pressure.

The men's 50-55kg section also saw decisive outcomes. Jadumani Singh booked his place in the next round with a comfortable 5-0 win over Uttar Pradesh's Manish Rathore, putting on a technical masterclass. Meanwhile, 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medallist Amit Panghal advanced with a strong 4-1 win against Chandigarh's Krrish Pal, using his experience to dictate the pace throughout the bout.

With several top contenders showcasing commanding form, the upcoming quarterfinals promise fierce competition as the race for national titles tightens across categories.