Nitu Ghanghas assures India of its first medal at Women's Boxing World Championships

The Indian played with aggression and landed a flurry of punches on her opponent, forcing the referee to stop the bout and rule in Nitu's favour.

India's Nitu (blue) being declared winner during her 45-48kg category match against Uzbekistan's Sumaiya at the 2023 IBA Women's Boxing World Championship.(Photo | PTI) 

NEW DELHI: Commonwealth Games champion boxer Nitu Ghanghas (48kg) assured India of its first medal at the ongoing Women's World Championships after reaching the semifinals here on Wednesday.

The 22-year-old Haryana boxer notched a second-round RSC (referee stops contest) win over Madoka Wada of Japan in her quarterfinal bout to assure herself and India of at least a bronze medal.

The Indian played with aggression and landed a flurry of punches on her opponent, forcing the referee to stop the bout and rule in Nitu's favour.

Nitu has won all her three bouts in the tournament so far by RSC verdicts.

India's Nitu (blue) and Uzbekistan's Qosimova Sumaiya during the 45-48kg category. (Photo | PTI)

Seven Indian pugilists, including reigning world champion Nikhat Zareen (50kg), Sakshi Choudhary (52kg), Manisha Maoun (57kg), Jaismine Lamboria (60kg), Lovlina Borgohain (75kg), Saweety Boora (81kg) and Nupur Sheoran (+81kg), looked to make the last four stage later in the day.

Wherein, Nikhat Zareen (50kg), Lovlina Borgohain (75kg) and Saweety Boora (81kg), the No 1 seed, won their respective bouts to secure medals for the hosts.