NEW DELHI: India's top boxers, who made history at the international arena last year and have been nominated for the prestigious Times of India Sports Awards (TOISA) 2023, are all set to battle for the top honours in the men's and women's categories. Come February 23, and the winner of the Boxer of the Year award will be unveiled at a glittering awards ceremony in the 'City of Nawabs' Lucknow.
Here are the boxers who have been nominated for the TOISA 2023:
Deepak Bhoria
Indian boxer Deepak Bhoria has etched his name in history, securing a bronze medal at the World Championships. His remarkable achievement underscores not only his exceptional skill but also India's rising prominence in international boxing. However, Deepak's Asian Games journey concluded in heartbreak with a pre-quarterfinal defeat. The setback in the pre-quarterfinals marked a disappointing exit for the accomplished Indian athlete, emphasising the unpredictable nature of high-stakes competitions. Deepak's tenacity and dedication were on full display as he navigated through tough competition to reach the podium at Worlds. The medal not only marks a personal triumph for Deepak but also contributes to India's growing success in the sport. As a promising talent, Deepak 's journey signifies the potential and bright future of Indian boxing on the global stage.
Mohammad Hussamuddin
Despite reaching the semi-finals of the World Boxing Championships in the 57kg weight class, Mohammed Hussamuddin had to settle for a bronze medal after being compelled to forfeit his match against Saidel Horta of Cuba. The talented pugilist suffered a knee injury in the quarters, leading to pain and swelling. Following a thorough evaluation by the medical team, the management made the tough decision to withdraw from the semi-final to prevent exacerbating the injury. Due to the injury, Hussamuddin faced a setback as he underwent left knee surgery, which forced him to miss the Hangzhou Asian Games. The 2023 Asian Games was a crucial event for Paris Olympic Games qualification, making his absence a missed opportunity for the talented Indian boxer. But now he is fit and raring to make a comeback to achieve his ultimate mission of qualifying for the Paris Olympics.
Narender Berwal
Indian boxer Narender Berwal concluded his Asian Games campaign with a commendable bronze medal in the +92kg category. In the semi-final clash, Berwal faced a tough opponent in Olympic and world championship medallist Kamshybek Kunkabayev from Kazakhstan, succumbing to a 0-5 defeat. Despite the setback, Berwal's journey showcased his skill and determination in the ring. While missing out on an Olympic quota, his bronze medal adds to India's boxing achievements. Berwal's resilience against top-tier competition exemplifies the high level of competition at the Asian Games, and his performance marks a significant chapter in his boxing career.
Nishant Dev
Nishant Dev, the accomplished Indian boxer, demonstrated his prowess by securing a bronze medal at the World Boxing Championships, showcasing his resilience and skill on the global stage. While his commendable achievement added to India's boxing success, he faced a setback in the Asian Games quarterfinals. Despite the challenge, Nishant's journey reflects his ability to compete at the highest level. His bronze at the World Championship signifies a significant milestone, contributing to India's boxing legacy. Nishant's experience, both in victory and defeat, serves as a valuable learning curve, further fueling his determination for future competitions.
Lovlina Borgohain
Olympic medallist Lovlina Borgohain has left an indelible mark on the global stage with her exceptional prowess in boxing. Securing a gold in the World Championship and a silver in the Asian Games, Borgohain has consistently demonstrated her skill, tenacity, and resilience. Lovlina lost the Asiad gold medal bout to China's Li Qian, a two-time Olympic medallist, but managed to secure a Paris 2024 Olympic quota for India. Her triumphs underline not only her dominance in the sport but also her versatility across different prestigious competitions. The gold in the World Championship signifies her status as a world-class athlete, while the silver in the Asian Games highlights her prowess in the fiercely competitive Asian region. Borgohain's journey reflects dedication, hard work, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in the demanding realm of international boxing, earning her well-deserved acclaim and admiration.
Nikhat Zareen
Star Indian boxer Nikhat Zareen, who has already secured a spot in the Paris Olympics, stamped her mark on the global stage with a gold in the 2023 World Championship and a bronze in the Asian Games. Her stellar performance in both prestigious events of 2023 reflects not only her exceptional skill but also her consistency at the highest level of competition. Zareen's gold at the World Championship signifies her dominance in the sport, while the bronze at the Asian Games showcases her versatility and tenacity. Her achievements contribute significantly to India's rising prominence in women's boxing, and Zareen's journey continues to inspire aspiring athletes in their pursuit of excellence.
Nitu Ghanghas
Nitu Ghanghas, already a distinguished Commonwealth Games gold medallist, etched her name deeper into sporting history with a remarkable victory at the 2023 World Championship. Displaying unparalleled skill and determination, she outshone global competition to secure the coveted gold medal, marking a watershed moment in her career. The triumph not only affirmed her status as a world-class athlete but also brought immense pride. However, the women's world champion in the 48kg category, Nitu, did not make the Asian Games cut as she was surpassed by Preeti Pawar in the 54kg weight class. Nitu had moved up in weight as the 48kg division is not included in the Olympics, and Nikhat Zareen had already secured a spot for the Asian Games in the 51kg division. Nitu's journey, from Commonwealth success to global triumph, exemplifies her unwavering commitment and perseverance. This extraordinary achievement will undoubtedly inspire aspiring athletes and stand as a testament to the relentless pursuit of excellence in the realm of international sports.
Saweety Boora
Saweety Boora, who had settled for a silver nine years ago, has distinguished herself with a stellar track record that includes a gold medal in the World Championship. Her triumph on the global stage underscores not only her exceptional skill but also her ability to excel in the most competitive arenas. Adding to her accolades, Saweety has consistently dominated the national scene, securing gold in the National Championship. This dual success speaks volumes about her versatility and determination. Saweety's journey is a testament to her unwavering commitment, with each gold medal symbolising the culmination of years of hard work and dedication in the pursuit of excellence in the sport of boxing.
