Nikhat Zareen (PTI Photo)
NEW DELHI: In a major shock for Indian boxing, two-time world champion Nikhat Zareen has been ruled out of the 2026 Commonwealth Games and 2026 Asian Games selection after suffering a surprise defeat at the national trials in Patiala.Competing in the women’s 51kg category, Nikhat lost 1-4 to Sakshi Chaudhary in the semi-finals, ending her hopes of representing India at the two biggest multi-sport events of the year. The result is one of the biggest shocks in recent Indian boxing, given Nikhat’s stature as a two-time world champion.
Sakshi stuns Nikhat after changing the weight category
Sakshi’s win took on added significance as she moved up from 54kg to 51kg, specifically targeting Commonwealth and Asian Games selection. The gamble paid off as she defeated Nikhat in the semi-finals and now advances to the final against reigning 48kg world champion Meenakshi Hooda, who has also moved up a weight class.Nikhat has shown signs of inconsistency in recent months. At the Asian Championships, she was only able to win bronze and was defeated by China’s Olympic champion Wu Yu in the semi-finals.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.
The selection system changed after the intervention of the SAI
Trials resumed this week after the Sports Authority of India ordered the Boxing Federation of India to scrap its controversial ranking-based selection process.The federation previously used a scoring model that considered sports science tests, weight management and attendance, but complaints from several boxers led the SAI to suspend the process. The BFI then switched to a trial-based system judged by a panel of five, with results announced immediately after matches.The decision has already reshaped the Indian boxing team. While established names like Nikhat are slipping away, younger contenders have seized the moment and paved the way to Glasgow and Aichi.
