Panghal avenges 2018 loss as Zareen, Nitu keep the show going

PTI

Birmingham, August 7

The indomitable Nikhat Zareen added a Commonwealth Games title to her swelling trophy cabinet, while Amit Panghal began his redemption journey with a much-needed gold winning show here today.

Zareen, who is on a winning spree since the Nationals last year, asserted her dominance over Northern Ireland’s Carly McNaul as she punched her way to a comprehensive 5-0 win in the 50kg category.

Panghal, on the other hand, avenged his 2018 Commonwealth Games final loss to Kiaran MacDonald by clinching gold with a comprehensive 5-0 win over the home favourite in the 51kg category.

Indian boxers made it three out of three gold on the day as debutant Nitu Ghanghas, too, reigned in the 48kg category. Nitu upstaged 2019 World Championships bronze medallist Demie-Jade Resztan of England by a 5-0 unanimous verdict.

Competing in her first CWG, she looked completely in control throughout the nine minutes, giving the home boxer no chance. “I am so happy, I can hardly breathe,” Nitu told reporters.

The Indian pugilists will return with seven medals from Birmingham, two less than the previous edition.

Panghal show

Having lost to the Briton four years ago at the same stage in Gold Coast, the 26-year-old Panghal was at his best against MacDonald. Dominating, lightning-quick and unstoppable, Panghal left MacDonald with a cut above his right eye that needed a few stitches and a stoppage during the bout.

Using his height advantage, MacDonald tried to bounce back in the third round but Panghal kept him at bay. The turning point for Panghal, however, was the semifinals win over Zambia’s Patrick Chinyemba as the Indian notched a come-from-behind win. “It was the toughest round and the turning point. I lost the first round and gave it all to produce the win and there was no looking back,” Panghal said.

Asked about his strategy against his British opponent in the final, he said: “He was taller than me and I had to be more aggressive and get inside his arms — that worked. My coaches did a great job because we worked out how to win and I did it in the ring. I did enough to win the first two rounds and I held it in the last. I thought he probably won the last round but I was too far ahead by then. This has avenged my loss in Australia in the final. I knew it would be very testing.”