Vietnamese boxer Nguyen Thi Tam came up short against world defending champion Nikhat Zareen of India in the light flyweight final match of the 2023 IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships in New Delhi on Sunday evening, resulting in a 0-5 defeat and a silver medal for Tam. Nevertheless, her performance was exemplary and she is a true champion in spirit.
Before the match, Zareen was hailed as the great hope for the host to secure the championship title.
She was the defending champion in the 52kg class before dropping down to the 50kg weight category.
The first round saw Zareen, who received great cheers from the home spectators, launch many quality right-handed punches towards Tam. Her well-timed jabs and crosses kept her opponent on the defensive for much of the round. Tam managed to counter a few of Zareen’s moves, but was unable to land any significant blows. This gave Zareen the edge and she was declared the winner of the first round.
The host boxer received five 10-point scores from judges, while the visiting fighter got five 9-point scores, losing the round.
In the next two rounds, Tam continued her aggressive strategy, yet it had no effect.
Meanwhile, Zareen showed her prowess as a fighter when she kept her distance and kept her attacks at a moderate tempo, eventually securing a 5-0 victory.
The Indian boxer garnered a golden accolade and a bonus of US$100,000, while Tam pocketed a silver medal and a reward of $50,000.
Despite her loss, Tam made history as the first Vietnamese boxer to reach the final of a world boxing tournament, setting an inspiring precedent for future generations to follow. With her remarkable achievement, Tam has become an iconic figure, representing the strength and determination of the Vietnamese people.
The Vietnamese fighter is set to return home to prepare for the 2023 Southeast Asian Games, which will be held in Cambodia in May, and the postponed 2022 Asian Games, set to take place in China in September.
Her goal is to secure a ticket to the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, which are scheduled to take place from July 26 to August 11 of next year.
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