Nikhat Zareen Wins World Title, Exorcises Paris Demons with Historic Fifth Gold for India

Nikhat Zareen reaffirmed her place among India’s elite boxers by capturing the 51 kg gold.

At the World Boxing Cup Finals in Greater Noida, clinching India’s fifth women’s gold of the tournament and putting the heartbreak of the Paris Games firmly behind her. The two-time world champion was authoritative from start to finish in the final, outboxing Chinese Taipei’s Xuan Yi Guo to earn a commanding 5–0 unanimous decision.

Her path to the final was just as dominant. In the semifinals, Nikhat delivered a polished and assured performance against Uzbekistan’s Ganieva Gulsevar, showcasing sharp movement, precise counterattacks and relentless ring control to register another clean 5–0 win. The display made it clear that she had returned with renewed focus and intent.

The triumph was especially meaningful for Nikhat, whose Paris Olympics campaign ended unexpectedly in the Round of 16 after a loss to China’s Wu Yu, the boxer who eventually claimed the Olympic gold. In Greater Noida, however, Nikhat looked revitalised — composed, confident and technically superior with every round.

Her gold medal led a brilliant run for India’s women’s contingent at the event. Minakshi Hooda (48 kg), Preeti Pawar (54 kg), Arundhati (70 kg) and Nupur Sheoran (80+ kg) also finished on top of the podium, giving India a total of five golds and underlining the team’s growing strength on the international circuit.

From an early Olympic exit to a commanding return on home soil, Nikhat Zareen’s golden campaign in Greater Noida stood as a testament to her resilience, class and competitive fire.