AIBA World Boxing Championships: Sarita Devi, Nandini bow out

Former world champion Sarita, a gold-medallist in the 2006 New Delhi edition of the world championships, was chasing her maiden world medal in over a decade.

Sarita Devi in action during her second round bout against Natalia Shadrina on Sunday.

It was a disappointing day for India as former world champion Sarita Devi (60kg) and debutant Nandini (81kg) lost their respective bouts to bow out of the AIBA Women’s World Championships in Ulan-Ude, Russia on Sunday.

After receiving a first-round bye, seeded fourth Sarita got off on the front foot against Russia’s Natalia Shadrina and landed some clear punches in the opening few minutes. But the five-time Asian gold medalist failed to capitalise on the strong start and Shadrina made a strong comeback in the second and third round to overpower the Indian and seal a 5-0 win.

Meanwhile, 20-year-old Nandini failed to find her rhythm at the World stage and was outplayed in all three rounds. Nandini, who became the first woman boxer from Chandigarh to represent the nation at the Championships, fell short in experience and tactics compared to her German counterpart, Irina-Nicoletta Schonberger, who won the bout 5-0 on points.

Saweety Boora (75kg) and Jamuna Boro (54kg) are the two Indians to have advanced to the pre-quarters so far after winning their opening bouts. Monday will witness the last set of debutants, Manju Rani (48Kg) and Manju Bamboriya (64kg) beginning their campaign. Manju Rani, seeded sixth in the lightfly weight category, will take on Ven Tayonis Cedeno of Venezuela while Manju Bamboriya will face fourth seed Italian Angela Carini.