Indian women boxers delivered a spectacular performance at the second World Boxing Cup in Astana, Kazakhstan, with Sakshi (54kg), Jaismine (57kg), and Nupur (+80kg) clinching gold medals. Their victories contributed to India's best-ever medal haul at the event, with a total of 11 medals, including three gold, five silver, and three bronze.
Sakshi initiated India's gold rush with a dominant display against Yosline Perez of the USA in the women's 54kg final, securing a unanimous decision from the judges. Jaismine followed up with a composed performance against Brazil's Jucielen Cequeira Romeu in the 57kg category, utilizing her reach to keep her opponent at bay and secure a 4-1 victory. Nupur faced a tough challenge from Kazakhstan's Yeldana Talipova in the +80kg final but overcame a shaky start to win with a 5-0 verdict.
Other Indian boxers who secured silver medals include Meenakshi (48kg), Jugnoo (men's 85kg), Pooja Rani (women's 80kg), Hitesh Gulia (men's 70kg), and Abhinash Jamwal (men's 65kg). Meenakshi fought hard against local favorite Nazym Kyzaibay but lost by a narrow 3-2 margin. Jugnoo lost to Bekzad Nurdauletov of Kazakhstan, while Pooja Rani was defeated by Australia's Eseta Flint. Hitesh Gulia lost against Brazil's Kaian Oliveira, and Abhinash Jamwal suffered a close defeat against Yuri Falcao.
Sanju (women's 60kg), Nikhil Dubey (men's 75kg), and Narender Berwal (men's 90+kg) each secured a bronze medal after reaching the semi-finals.
The Indian contingent surpassed their previous performance at the World Boxing Cup leg held in Brazil in April, where they won six medals. The women's team did not participate in the Brazil leg due to national championships.
These performances have earned the boxers crucial ranking points, increasing their chances of qualifying for the World Boxing Cup Finals, which will be held in New Delhi, India, in November. A spokesperson from the Boxing Federation of India stated that this performance demonstrates the readiness of Indian boxers to compete on the world stage and that the women's gold medals are a testament to their determination and skill.
