India, Jan. 8 -- Rising temper, protests over refereeing, and many exciting bouts marked the fourth day of the Elite National Boxing Championships at the Gautam Buddha University here on Wednesday. Stars Nikhat Zareen (51kg), Minakshi Hooda (48kg), Preeti Sai Pawar (55kg), Amit Panghal and Jadumani Singh (55kg) progressed comfortably to the quarterfinals.

Two-time world champion Nikhat beat Ladakh's Kulsooma Bano via a first round RSC, while Minakshi cruised to a 5-0 win against Annu of Jharkhand. Paris Olympian Preeti registered a dominant 5-0 win over Ruchika. World champion Jaismine Lamboria (57kg), however, pulled out due to a shoulder injury.

In men, Panghal edged past a combative and fearless Krissh Pal of Chandigarh 4-1 in a spli...