India, Jan. 11 -- Nikhat Zareen cruised past Nitu Ghanghas in the flyweight (51kg) final to claim her third national title at the Elite National Boxing Championships, which concluded with the finals here on Saturday. Two-time world champion Nikhat faced a formidable opponent in Nitu - the 2023 world champion in the 48kg category.

Nitu began aggressively, scoring with sharp jabs and crosses in the opening exchanges, before Nikhat responded with well-timed counter-punches. Over the next two rounds, Nikhat took control of the bout, consistently scoring while remaining alert in defence.

"You always want to start a new season as a national champion. It gives a lot of confidence, especially when you beat a tough rival like Nitu," Nikhat said....