Liverpool witnessed a historic night for Indian boxing as Jaismine Lamboria clinched the gold medal in the women's 57kg category at the World Boxing Championships 2025. The 24-year-old pugilist defeated Olympic silver medalist Julia Szeremeta of Poland in a thrilling final, marking India's first gold medal at the tournament.
The summit clash began with intense pressure, as Szeremeta, backed by a strong local support, took the early initiative. However, Jaismine showcased resilience and tactical brilliance to regroup in the second round. Utilizing her superior reach and precise counterpunching, she gained control of the bout, ultimately securing a 4-1 split decision victory.
An emotional Jaismine expressed her joy, stating that the feeling of being a world champion was beyond words. She dedicated the medal to her relentless dedication and hard work, especially after her early exit at the Paris 2024 Olympics, focusing on improving her technique and mental fortitude.
Jaismine's journey to the finals saw her comprehensively defeat Paris Olympian Omailyn Alcala of Venezuela 5-0 in the semi-finals. Relying on her mobility and long-range scoring punches, Jaismine kept her Venezuelan opponent at bay. The southpaw used a mix of single punches and combinations to maintain her lead, securing a favorable verdict.
Nupur Sheoran (+80kg) also had a remarkable run, securing a silver medal after a valiant effort in the final against Poland's Agata Kaczmarska. Kaczmarska, shorter but aggressive, neutralized Nupur's height advantage by fighting at close quarters. Despite Nupur's efforts, the Polish boxer landed a decisive punch in the dying seconds, edging out a 3-2 split decision. In her semi-final bout, Nupur defeated Turkish Seyma Duztas 5-0, displaying her hit-and-move long-range game.
Pooja Rani added to India's medal tally, securing a bronze medal in the 80kg category after a gritty semi-final battle against England's Emily Asquith. Despite her experience, Pooja couldn't match Asquith's pace, resulting in a bronze medal finish.
Minakshi Hooda (48kg) also displayed promise, reaching the semi-finals after outsmarting home challenger Alice Pumphrey 5-0 in the quarter-finals. However, she lost her semi-final bout against Mongolia's Altantsetseg Lutsaikhan.
While the Indian women boxers made their mark, the male boxers faced setbacks, with none reaching the medal rounds. Commonwealth Games champion Nikhat Zareen and Olympic bronze medallist Lovlina Borgohain also faced early exits.
Jaismine Lamboria's gold medal is a testament to her hard work and determination, and a proud moment for Indian boxing. Along with Nupur's silver and Pooja's bronze, it was one of India's best performances at the World Boxing Championships.
