Railways boxers dominate as Sonia, Bhagyabati clinch gold

Kannur (Kerala), December 8

World Championships silver medallist Sonia Chahal (57kg) and India Open Gold medallist Bhagyabati Kachari (81kg) won the top prizes as Railways clinched six gold medals to maintain their dominance at the Women’s National Boxing Championships.

The 2016 national champion Sonia edge out youth world champion and Haryana pugilist Sakshi 3-2 in a hard-fought final to add another gold to her kitty.

Bhagyabati, who had to settle for a silver medal in the previous edition, stamped her authority over Shaily Singh in the 81kg final. 

The Railways’ boxer did not have to break a sweat on her way to a 5-0 win in the final here today.

Youth world champion Jyoti, also from Railways, blanked Haryana’s Ritu Grewal 5-0 in the 51kg final. 

In the 48kg contest, Monika was equally aggressive in her face-off with All India Police’s K Bina Devi. She won 5-0 in the final.

One of the most exciting bouts of the day was fought between Railways’ Pwilao Basumatary and Assam’s Ankushita Boro in the 64kg contest. 

The two fought tooth and nail and the Cologne World Cup silver medallist Basumatary had to bank on her experience to finally beat the former youth world champion 3-2.

The sixth gold medal for the Railways was brought by former Asian Championships silver medallist Pavitra (60kg). In a closely-contested final, Pavitra was able to douse the fighting spirit of 2017 world youth champion Shashi Chopra from Haryana to register a 3-2 win.

All India Police won twin titles with Kavita Chahal (81+kg) and Meenakumari Devi (54kg) clinching a gold medal each. 

Two-time world championships bronze medallist Kavita Chahal was in no mood to relent and clinched a 5-0 win over Haryana’s Anupama in the final. 

Meenakumari successfully defended her title even though the path was not easy. Railways’ Meenakshi provided some stiff resistance but Meenakumari was able to summon her attacking punches in the final round and complete a 4-1 triumph.

The solitary gold for Haryana was brought by Nupur in 75kg, who converted her last year’s silver into the yellow metal this time. 

Nupur was able to end the inspiring run of giant-killer Indraja of Kerala to finish with a 4-1 win, much to the disappointment of the spectators. 

Rajasthan was put on the winners’ list by Lalita, who bagged the 69kg gold by dint of a commanding 5-0 win over Railways’ Meena Rani. — PTI