Indian boxing team reach French Capital ahead of Paris 2024 Olympics

The Indian boxing team has touched down in the French capital ahead of the highly anticipated Paris 2024 Olympics. Comprising six talented boxers—two men and four women—the team is set to compete in the boxing events, which commence on July 27, just a day after the Olympic Games kick off.

Leading the women’s squad are world champions Lovlina Borgohain (75kg) and Nikhat Zareen (50kg). They are joined by Asian under-22 champion Preeti Pawar (54kg) and Commonwealth Games bronze medalist Jaismine Lamboriya (57kg). Representing the men’s team are World Championships silver medalist Amit Panghal (51kg) and bronze medalist Nishant Dev (71kg).

Upon their arrival in the French capital, Nishant Dev shared the excitement on Instagram with a cheerful post, which read:

“Bonjour Paris! The Indian Boxing team has arrived.”

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Lovlina Borgohain and Nikhat Zareen shoulder the nation's medal hopes from the Indian boxing team

India’s medal hopes from the Indian boxing Team at the Paris 2024 Olympics rely heavily on the women’s team, which qualified for the Games with impressive performances.

Lovlina Borgohain, who won bronze in Tokyo, has smoothly transitioned to the 75kg category, bypassing the intense weight cuts she previously endured. This move has enhanced her performance, earning her a World Championship title and a bronze at the Asian Games. Although the heavier weight class has slightly reduced her speed, her punches have become more powerful, positioning her as a strong contender for a medal.

Nikhat Zareen, set to compete in her first Olympics, is another major hopeful for India. The two-time world champion has been remarkably consistent, having only lost two bouts since 2022. Zareen is celebrated for her quick footwork and precise punch combinations. Her rigorous training and sparring sessions with Turkey’s Buse Naz Cakiroglu, a silver medalist at the Tokyo Olympics, have further honed her skills.