New Delhi, Jan 21 (PTI) Defending champion Nikhat Zareen (51kg) was off to a resounding start at the Strandja Memorial boxing tournament, outpunching Morocco's Yasmine Mouttaki in Sofia, Bulgaria on Tuesday.

Zareen, former junior world champion, prevailed 5-0 to enter the second round.

The Hyderabadi is competing in her first tournament after the bitter selection row for next month's Olympic qualifiers.

She had lost to six-time world champion M C Mary Kom in the trials.

Among other Indians in the competition, four-time Asian medallist Shiva Thapa (63kg) got a bye into the second round.

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