Nikhat Zareen misses Asian Games and CWG after shock trial defeat

NEW DELHI: In a major shake-up for Indian boxing, two-time world champion Nikhat Zareen has missed out on selection for both the 2026 Commonwealth Games and the 2026 Asian Games after suffering a surprise defeat in the national trials in Patiala.

Nikhat, competing in the women’s 51kg category, lost 1-4 to Sakshi Chaudhary in the semifinal, ending her hopes of representing India at two of the year’s biggest multi-sport events. The result marks one of the biggest upsets in recent Indian boxing, given Nikhat’s stature as a double world champion.

Sakshi stuns Nikhat after changing weight class

Sakshi’s win gained added significance as she had moved down from 54kg to 51kg specifically targeting the Commonwealth and Asian Games selection. The gamble paid off as she outboxed Nikhat in the semifinal and now advances to the final against reigning 48kg world champion Meenakshi Hooda, who has also moved up a weight division.

Nikhat had shown signs of inconsistency in recent months. She managed only a bronze medal at the Asian Championships and was beaten by Chinese Olympic champion Wu Yu in the semifinals there.

The trials also produced other surprise exits, with Nitu Ghanghas and Hitesh Gulia also failing to make the cut after defeats in their respective categories.

Selection system changed after SAI intervention

The trials resumed this week after the Sports Authority of India ordered the Boxing Federation of India to scrap its controversial assessment-based selection process.

The federation had earlier used a scoring model that considered sports science tests, weight management and attendance, but complaints from several boxers led SAI to suspend the process. BFI then switched to a trial-based system judged by a five-member panel, with results announced immediately after bouts.

The decision has already reshaped India’s boxing squad. While established names like Nikhat miss out, younger contenders have seized the moment, making the road to Glasgow and Aichi wide open.

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