India achieved a historic milestone at the World Boxing Cup 2025 in Astana, Kazakhstan, with women boxers leading the nation to its best-ever performance at the event, securing 11 medals including three gold, five silver, and three bronze. This powerful showing reflects the growing depth and resilience in Indian boxing, inspiring the next generation of athletes.
Sakshi (54kg), Jaismine (57kg), and Nupur (80+kg) emerged as champions with gold medal victories, each showcasing unique strengths and composure under pressure on the final day of the tournament.
Sakshi delivered a commanding performance against USA’s Yosline Perez, using her sharp speed and combination punches to secure a unanimous decision in the 54kg final, opening India’s gold medal account with authority. Her aggressive approach set the tone for the day and demonstrated her readiness to dominate at the highest level.
Jaismine displayed tactical maturity and calmness under pressure in her bout against Brazil’s Jucielen Cequeira Romeu in the 57kg final. Using her long reach and calculated counter-punches, the 23-year-old managed to control the final round after a close contest in the earlier rounds, clinching a 4:1 decision in her favour.
Nupur overcame a challenging start against Kazakhstan’s Yeldana Talipova in the 80+kg final, where she lost the first round but bounced back with relentless aggression and precise punches in the following rounds to secure a convincing 5:0 win, adding the third gold for India at the event.
Silver Medals Add to India’s Strong Tally
India’s medal haul was further strengthened by silver medals won by Meenakshi (48kg), Jugnoo (men’s 85kg), Pooja Rani (women’s 80kg), Hitesh Gulia (men’s 70kg), and Abhinash Jamwal (men’s 65kg), each of whom showcased resilience and skill throughout the tournament despite falling short in their final bouts.
Meenakshi narrowly missed gold, losing 3:2 to local favourite Nazym Kyzaibay in a closely contested match. Jugnoo and Pooja Rani faced tough challenges, both losing 0:5 to their respective opponents, Bekzad Nurdauletov of Kazakhstan and Eseta Flint of Australia.
Hitesh Gulia faced Brazil’s Kaian Oliveira in the final but was defeated 0:5, while Abhinash Jamwal fought hard in a close bout against Brazil’s Yuri Falcao, narrowly losing 2:3, securing another silver for the country.
Bronze Medals Reflect India’s Consistent Presence
Adding to the historic medal tally, Sanju (women’s 60kg), Nikhil Dubey (men’s 75kg), and Narender (men’s 90+kg) earned bronze medals after fighting valiantly through the competition, highlighting the consistency and depth within India’s boxing contingent.
The 2025 edition of the World Boxing Cup has proven to be a landmark for Indian boxing, not only for the record medal haul but also for the fearless spirit and skill displayed by the athletes, reinforcing India’s position on the global boxing map and inspiring confidence for upcoming international competitions.
