Greater Noida: Indian boxer Preeti Pawar made a stunning comeback after a year to secure a medal for India at the World Boxing Championships here today. After battling Hepatitis A and missing a year of international competition, the 22-year-old Preeti defeated Asian Games silver medallist Nigina of Uzbekistan to enter the semi-finals of the women's 54 kg category.
Preeti was diagnosed with Hepatitis A a month before the Paris Olympics. "It was a tough time for me because I was diagnosed with Hepatitis A a month before the Olympics, but it motivated me to come back and stay strong," said Preeti. She secured her place in the Olympics despite her illness and was eliminated in a tough round of 16 clash against World Championship bronze medallist Yeni Arias of Colombia.
The reigning women's 48kg world champions Meenakshi Hooda, Narendra Berwal and Ankush Phangal secured medals for India by reaching the semi-finals. Preeti said she did not give up even in the tough times.