In a major upset at the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games boxing trials in Patiala, two-time world champion Nikhat Zareen crashed out after suffering a split-decision defeat to Sakshi Chaudhary in the women’s 51kg semifinals on Thursday.
Nikhat, who won gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and claimed bronze at the 2023 Asian Games, lost 1-4 in the opening bout of the day, marking one of the biggest surprises of the trials.
The trials themselves became a major talking point after the Sports Authority of India suspended the Boxing Federation of India’s earlier assessment-based selection process, calling it “opaque” and lacking transparency.
Trial-Based Selection System Returns
The Boxing Federation of India was forced to revert to the traditional trial-based selection system after mounting criticism from several boxers over the previous evaluation model introduced in 2023.
The assessment-based system, brought in under the former High Performance Director, had faced repeated allegations of bias and inconsistency from athletes.
Many boxers competing in Patiala openly welcomed the return of direct trials.
“The trial system is much better. We don’t have to keep stressing about whether we are selected or not as we would keep waiting for the list a week after the assessment,” a boxer with multiple international medals told PTI.
Another boxer said the trial format removed uncertainty from the process.
“Trials are fair and square. If I have lost the bout, I have lost, and I know what I have to work on. Earlier, we were left wondering where we lacked,” the boxer added.
The selection bouts were conducted under the supervision of an SAI observer.
Sakshi Chaudhary To Face Minakshi In Final
Following her upset victory over Nikhat, Sakshi Chaudhary — who has moved down from the 54kg category — advanced to the final where she will take on reigning 48kg world champion Minakshi.
Minakshi booked her spot in the summit clash after defeating former world champion Nitu Ghanghas by unanimous decision in another high-profile semifinal.
More Upsets Rock Patiala Trials
The day witnessed several unexpected results across categories.
Three-time World Cup medallist Hitesh Gulia suffered a semifinal defeat to Sumit in the men’s 70kg division. Interestingly, Sumit had also dropped down from the 75kg category for the trials.
In the women’s 65kg semifinals, Asian Games bronze medallist Parveen Hooda defeated Ankushita Boro, while veteran boxer Pooja Rani lost to Naina in the 80kg division.
Boxers Already Qualified For Major Events
A few Indian boxers had already secured qualification for both the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games after reaching the finals at last month’s Asian Championships in Mongolia.
Those include:
- Sachin Siwach (60kg)
- Preeti Pawar (54kg)
- Priya Ghanghas (60kg)
Meanwhile, reigning world champion Jaismine Lamboria and Arundhati Chaudhary secured berths only for the Commonwealth Games, as their weight divisions are not part of the Asian Games programme.
What Happens Next?
The boxers who emerge victorious in the ongoing trials will head to Czechia for an exposure camp ahead of the Commonwealth Games.
Meanwhile, second-ranked boxers will participate in the World Boxing Cup scheduled to be held in Guiyang City, China, from June 15 to 20.
The 2026 Commonwealth Games are set to take place in Glasgow during July-August, while the 2026 Asian Games will be held in Japan later in September-October.