IBA Women's World Boxing Championships begin today in Istanbul

Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist Lovlina Borgohain will kickstart India’s campaign at IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships in Istanbul today. The Indian pugilists were handed a mixed draw in the Championships.

Borgohain will be up against the former world champion Chen Nien-Chin in her opening bout in 70-kilogram category.

Two-time Asian champion Pooja Rani 81 kg, Nandini, and Nikhat Zareen 52 kg have also been handed tough draws in their respective categories.

Pooja will start in the round of 16 against two-time World Championships bronze medallist Timea Nagy of Hungary, while Nandini 81kg has received a bye in the opening round but will face last



edition’s bronze medallist Khadija El-Mardi of Morocco in the quarter-finals.

On the other hand, Nikhat will face Mexico’s Herrera Alvarez in the opening round. Jaismine 60 kg will lock horns with two-time youth Asian champion Porntip Buapa of Thailand in the opening round.

Among other Indians, Ankushita 66 kg got a comparatively easier draw alongside Nitu 48 kg, Anamika 50 kg, Shiksha 54 kg, Manisha  57 kg, Parveen 63 kg, and Saweety 75kg.

More than 400 boxers from a record 93 countries are set to take part in this year’s event, which also marks the 20th anniversary of the prestigious event.