PATIALA: Nikhat Zareen has declined the national federation, BFI’s offer to compete in the women’s 48kg category at next month’s senior World Cup in China, choosing instead to remain focused on her long-term ambitions in the 51kg division ahead of the Olympic qualification cycle and next year’s World Championships.It’s been learnt that Nikhat’s decision prompted the federation to organise a one-off selection trial between former world champion Nitu Ghanghas and rising boxer Jyoti Gulia for the 48kg berth. The bout is expected to take place at NS NIS Patiala on Monday or Tuesday, although the BFI has not officially announced the decision. The development emerged following a BFI selection committee meeting on Friday evening after the conclusion of the three-day trials here to select India’s squads for the upcoming CWG and Asian Games. While the federation is yet to officially release the teams, TOI published the final list of selected boxers in its edition on Saturday.The women’s 51kg category turned out to be the most competitive division at the trials, featuring several top boxers. Former two-time world champion Nikhat entered the trials as one of the favourites.However, she was stunned by Army’s Sakshi Chaudhary, who had dropped from 54kg to 51kg. Reigning world champion Minakshi Hooda in the 48kg also moved up because her preferred weight class was not included in the CWG and Asiad roster and she was defeated by Sakshi in the final. Under BFI’s preparation plan, the top-ranked boxers in each men’s and women’s category will compete at the 56th Grand Prix tournament in Czech Republic, while second-ranked boxers will participate in the China World Cup, both scheduled for next month. With Sakshi and Minakshi already assured of international assignments, federation officials and women’s head coach Santiago Nieva explored the possibility of fielding another boxer in the 48kg World Cup category.According to sources, Nikhat was approached to cut down to 48kg but she refused, citing concerns over the physical strain and its impact on her future plans.“It’s already difficult for her to make 51kg since her weight generally hovers between 54-55kg normally. Dropping to 48kg could adversely affect her body, diet and performance,” a source said.In that scenario, BFI and Nieva had a word with Nitu and Jyoti and both agreed to appear in a one-off trial in the 48kg for the World Cup.
