Hyderabad: Telangana boxer Niharika Gonella punched her way into the final before settling for silver at the Youth Nationals Boxing Championship that concluded at the National Boxing Academy in Rohtak, Haryana, on Friday.
Niharika lost 0-5 to Uttar Pradesh’s Astha Pahwa, a fellow trainee at the Inspire Institute of Sports (JSW), in the middle weight (69-75 kg) category final thus missing out on the chance to represent India at the upcoming Asian Youth Boxing Championship to be held in Thailand later this month. Astha made it to the event by virtue of being the winner. It was a double blow for Niharika, who also suffered an injury to her right shoulder during the title bout.
Earlier in the semifinals, Niharika — a silver medallist at the Junior World Championships — had blanked Neha of Haryana 5-0. Astha had beaten Diksha Rajput of Punjab with a similar scoreline.
In the quarterfinals, Niharika defeated Chandan Choudhary of Rajasthan 5-0 while Astha overpowered Prachi Kerkar of Goa.
On the men’s side, Andhra’s R. Sai Kumar secured a silver in the 46-49 kg category even as boxers from the SSCB stable reigned supreme by winning nine out of their 10 title rounds. Only Satender Singh (81 kg) faltered at the final hurdle as he couldn’t defend his crown against Daman and Diu’s Ronak.
S. Barun Singh set the tone for his teammates after coming out on top 4-1 against Andhra’s R. Sai Kumar. Youth Asian Boxing Championship bronze medalist Ankit followed suit after he emerged triumphant against Haryana’s Akshay Kumar.
