Nikhat sails into quarters

Hangzhou, Sep 27: Two-time world champion Nikhat Zareen cruised to the 50kg quarterfinals but seasoned Indian pugilist Shiva Thapa and Sanjeet bowed out of the Asian Games boxing competition here on Wednesday.
Nikhat notched up an easy 5-0 win over South Korea’s Chorong Bak in the second round of the women’s event.
However, record six-time Asian Championship medallist Shiva couldn’t capitalise on a favourable draw as he was beaten comprehensively (5-0) by Kyrgyzstan’s Askat Kultaev in the 63.5kg pre-quarterfinals.
Sanjeet (92kg) was completely outpunched (5-0) by world championship bronze medallist Lazizbek Mullojonov.
Earlier, Shiva, who received a first round bye, was beaten by Kultaev’s relentless attacks and pace in a draining pre-quarterfinal bout.
It is a shocking defeat as Shiva was a strong medal contender.
In the second Indian bout of the day, Sanjeet found it tough to respond to the 2022 super heavyweight Asian Champions’ punches and was forced to go into a defensive mode.
Trailing 0-5, Sanjeet lost his balance after being struck by Mullojonov’s punch, which got him an eight count. (PTI)