As the inaugural World Boxing Championships 2025 in Liverpool approaches, Indian boxers are preparing for what promises to be a challenging quest for medals. The competition, scheduled from September 4 to 14, will be held at the M&S Bank Arena and marks the first major event organized by World Boxing, the sport's new global governing body.
India is sending a strong contingent of 20 boxers, spearheaded by seasoned campaigners such as Olympic medalist Lovlina Borgohain and world champion Nikhat Zareen. Borgohain will compete in the 75kg division, while Zareen will participate in the 51kg category. Both are returning to the international stage for the first time since the Paris 2024 Olympics. Olympian Pooja Rani will also feature in the 80kg weight class.
The Indian squad also includes a mix of experienced and emerging talents. Among the women are Meenakshi Hooda (48kg), Sakshi (54kg), Jaismine Lamboria (57kg), Sanju Khatri (60kg), Neeraj Phogat (60kg), Sanamacha Chanu (70kg), and Nupur Sheoran (80+kg). The men's team comprises Jadumani Singh Mandengbam (50kg), Pawan Bartwal (55kg), Sachin Siwach Jr (60kg), Abhinash Jamwal (65kg), Hitesh Gulia (70kg), Sumit Kundu (75kg), Lakshya Chahar (80kg), Jugnoo Ahlawat (85kg), Harsh Chaudhary (90kg), and Narender Berwal (90+kg).
Narender Berwal, an Asian Games bronze medalist, along with World Boxing Cup gold medalists Hitesh Gulia and Abhinash Jamwal, are among the male boxers to watch. India enters the tournament with momentum, having secured 17 medals at the World Boxing Cups in Brazil and Kazakhstan earlier in the year. At the World Boxing Cup in Brazil, Hitesh won gold, Abhinash Jamwal won silver, and four bronze medals were also secured. At the World Boxing Cup in Kazakhstan, the contingent picked up 11 medals, including three golds. Nupur Sheoran clinched gold in the heavyweight division.
However, the World Championships present a different challenge. With over 550 boxers from more than 65 nations participating, including 17 Paris Olympic medalists, the competition will be fierce. The tournament will follow a knockout format, with each bout consisting of three three-minute rounds judged using the "Ten Point Must" scoring system. Losing semi-finalists will each receive bronze medals. The quarter-finals are scheduled for September 10, the semi-finals on September 12–13, and the finals on September 14, when 20 new world champions will be crowned.
Borgohain and Zareen will be returning to international action after a hiatus. Both have had limited preparation, competing in only one domestic event since the Paris Games. As a result, they are likely to be unseeded and could face tough opponents in the early rounds. Zareen will be competing in the 51kg category after having won her world titles at 52kg and 50kg. Weight management remains a concern. Borgohain, a three-time World Championships medalist, will be defending her title in the 75kg weight class.
Despite the challenges, the Indian team is confident. Men's team coach Dharmendra Singh Yadav stated that the team's preparation in Sheffield had been exceptional and that the team is a mix of experienced campaigners and talented young boxers. Women's team coach Dr. Chandralal added that the team's dedication and hard work have been inspiring. Live streaming of the World Boxing Championships 2025 will be available in India.
