Star Indian boxer Amit Panghal avenged his last Commonwealth Games final loss by clinching the men’s flyweight (51kg) gold while Nitu Ghanghas (48kg) reigned supreme on her debut appearance here on Sunday.In the evening, Nikhat Zareen won gold medal after beating Northern Ireland pugilist by unanimous verdict in final (50kg).
In athletics, Eldhose Paul led India’s historic 1-2 finish in men’s triple jump as he won a rare gold medal in track and field events and was followed by fellow Kerala athlete Abdulla Aboobacker. Indian women’s hockey team beat defending champions New Zealand 2-1 in shootout to win the bronze medal and finish its campaign at the Commonwealth Games on a high note.
Having lost to a Briton four years ago at the same stage in Gold Coast, the 26-year-old boxer, Amit Panghal, was at his aggressive best against home favourite Kiaran MacDonald as he clinched the yellow metal with a 5-0 verdict.The dominating Panghal, who was lightning quick with his jabs, also left MacDonald with a cut above his right eye that needed a few stitches and a stoppage in play as the Indian was on song.
Using his height advantage, MacDonald tried to bounce back in the third round but the Asian Games champion had it easy.“It was the toughest round and was the turning point. I lost the first round and gave it all to produce the win and there was no looking back,” Panghal told PTI.Nitu, on the other hand, upstaged 2019 world championships bronze medallist Demie-Jade Resztan of England by a 5-0 unanimous verdict.The first Indian boxer to take the ring, Nitu, competing in her first CWG, looked completely in control throughout the nine minutes, giving the home boxer no chance.The atmosphere was intimidating for the 21-year-old facing the home favourite but she pinned her at first with her unwavering gaze to her eyes.In a battle of two southpaws, the Indian who was taller than her opponent showed fluid and clever movements while stepping back to the rival’s attacks.“I am so happy, I can hardly breathe,” Nitu told reporters.Daughter of an employee in Haryana Vidhan Sabha said, Nitu, who hails from India’s ‘mini Cuba’ in boxing Bhiwani, further said: “My parents have been my inspiration and my gold medal is for them.”
Silver in TT
The seasoned Indian pair of Sharath Kamal and G Sathiyan was outsmarted by familiar foes Paul Drinkhall and Liam Pitchford of England in the men’s doubles final at the Commonwealth Games on Sunday.The Indian duo had to settle for silver for the second successive edition after losing 11-8, 8-11, 3-11, 11-7, 4-11 to the English combine.
Double Olympic medallist P V Sindhu stayed on course for an elusive gold medal while Laskhya Sen entered his maiden final at the Commonwealth Games on Sunday.
Annu Rani became the first Indian female javelin thrower to win a medal at the Commonwealth Games on the penultimate day on Sunday.Rani sent the spear to a distance of 60m in her fourth attempt to win a bronze medal for the country.
