Commonwealth Games boxing champion Nitu Ghanghas (48kg) secured India’s maiden medal by advancing to the semi-finals of the Women’s World Boxing Championships in New Delhi on Wednesday.

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The 22-year-old Haryana boxer won her quarter-final match against Japan’s Madoka Wada. Nitu defeated Madoka by RSC (Referee Stoppage) method in the 48 kg category. The Indian played with aggression and landed a flurry of punches on her opponent, forcing the referee to stop the bout and rule in Nitu’s favor. She had defeated the rival boxer from RSC in her last two bouts as well.

Nitu has been in scintillating form throughout the tournament, displaying impressive technical skills and remarkable athleticism. She started her campaign in the Women’s World Boxing Championships with a hard-fought win against Sumaiya Qosimova of Tajikistan in the round of 16. However, it was her quarterfinal bout against Madok Wada, that truly showcased her talent. Nitu Ghanghas is now assured of at least a bronze medal at the Women’s World Boxing Championships.

Notably, this was Nitu Ghanghas’s maiden medal at the Women’s World Boxing Championships. It was Nitu who opened India’s account at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham last year. The young boxer from Haryana credited her father for the success that has come her way at the professional level. Nitu’s father had been traveling with the young pugilist for major tournaments while managing his professional commitments as well.

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Earlier, Nikhat Zareen (50kg), Sakshi Choudhary (52kg), Manisha Maoun (57kg), Jaismine Lamboria (60kg), Lovlina Borgohain (75kg), Saweety Boora (81kg) and Nupur Sheoran (+81kg) including seven more Indian players advanced to the quarterfinals of the Women’s World Boxing Championships. They will look to make the last four stage later in the day.

Meanwhile, Manisha Maoun (57kg) lost the quarter-final on Wednesday in New Delhi to miss out on a medal. She lost to Amina Zadani 4-1 via split decision in the last-eight round.