Sakshi, Jaismine, Nupur clinch gold as India bags 11 medals at World Boxing Cup

Astana, Kazakhstan:
The Indian boxing contingent delivered a stunning performance at the World Boxing Cup 2025, held in Astana, Kazakhstan, clinching a record 11 medals including three gold, five silver, and three bronze. The highlight of the campaign came on Sunday, when Sakshi (54kg), Jaismine (57kg), and Nupur (80+kg) showcased exemplary grit and talent to earn gold medals in their respective weight categories, marking a historic milestone for Indian boxing on the global stage.

A Historic Haul

The impressive medal tally of 11 marks India’s best-ever performance at the World Boxing Cup, surpassing the previous count from the first leg held in Brazil earlier this year, where India had returned with six medals (1 gold, 1 silver, and 4 bronze).

This time, the Indian pugilists displayed all-round dominance across multiple categories, affirming India’s growing reputation in international boxing. The women, in particular, led from the front, with Sakshi, Jaismine, and Nupur crafting golden moments that inspired the entire contingent.

Golden Punches: Sakshi, Jaismine, Nupur Shine Bright

Sakshi, competing in the women’s 54kg division, opened India’s gold account with a commanding display against Yosline Perez of the USA. From the opening bell, Sakshi was the aggressor — fast, focused, and accurate. Her combination punches, footwork, and tactical discipline earned her a unanimous decision from the judges, underlining her status as one of India’s most consistent performers on the international circuit.

Later in the day, Jaismine took center stage in the 57kg final, facing Brazil’s Jucielen Cequeira Romeu. The match was a technical and strategic battle, with both boxers testing each other’s patience and skill. After two closely contested rounds, the Indian boxer used her height and reach advantage in the final round, landing timely counter-punches while evading attacks. Her composed approach earned her a 4:1 split decision, highlighting her maturity and ring intelligence at just 23 years of age.

The last Indian gold came from Nupur in the 80+kg heavyweight category. Facing local favorite Yeldana Talipova, Nupur had a slow start, losing the first round. But the Indian fighter came back with renewed aggression and tactical nous in the next two rounds. She systematically dismantled Talipova’s defense with a flurry of sharp jabs and hooks, securing a clean 5:0 decision to seal her maiden international gold.

Silver Lining for Meenakshi, Jugnoo, Pooja, Hitesh & Jamwal

Despite missing out on gold, five Indian boxers came agonizingly close, settling for silver medals after spirited performances.

Meenakshi (48kg) was locked in a fierce contest against Nazym Kyzaibay of Kazakhstan. Despite a spirited charge in the final round, Meenakshi narrowly lost out on a 3:2 split decision, with the crowd’s support for the home boxer possibly tilting the judges’ verdict.

In the men’s 85kg final, Jugnoo faced a tough opponent in Kazakhstan’s Bekzad Nurdauletov, eventually losing 0:5. Despite the scoreline, Jugnoo’s effort against an experienced local fighter drew appreciation for his courage and tenacity.

Veteran Pooja Rani, competing in the women’s 80kg class, was unable to penetrate the solid guard of Australia’s Eseta Flint, succumbing to a 0:5 loss. Similarly, Hitesh Gulia (70kg) and Abhinash Jamwal (65kg) also endured tough bouts. Hitesh went down to Kaian Oliveira of Brazil with another 0:5 verdict, while Jamwal lost a close 2:3 bout against Brazil’s Yuri Falcao, in what was one of the most engaging duels of the tournament.

Bronze for Sanju, Nikhil, and Narender

The medal tally was further bolstered by three bronze medals earned by Sanju (60kg), Nikhil Dubey (75kg), and Narender (90+kg). Each of them put up strong performances through the early rounds before narrowly missing out on a spot in the finals.

Sanju’s agile footwork and defensive sharpness were evident throughout her bouts, but she fell short in the semifinals to an experienced Kazakh opponent. Nikhil and Narender, both known for their raw power and aggressive approach, thrilled the audience in their respective matches, gaining valuable international exposure in the process.

A Landmark Moment for Indian Boxing

The 2025 World Boxing Cup in Astana has proven to be a watershed moment for Indian boxing. The performance not only reaffirms India’s emergence as a boxing powerhouse in Asia, but also highlights the growing depth in the sport — especially among women athletes.

The presence of multiple medallists across diverse weight categories is a testament to the systematic development programs under the Boxing Federation of India (BFI). With investments in coaching, infrastructure, and international exposure paying dividends, India’s boxing ambitions are clearly on an upward trajectory.

Reactions and Outlook

Speaking after her victory, Sakshi said, “This gold means everything to me. I’ve worked really hard with my coaches and team, and to beat a strong opponent like Perez gives me confidence for future tournaments.”

Jaismine, who has steadily climbed the ranks over the past few years, dedicated her medal to her family and said, “It was a tough fight, but I stuck to the plan. I’m proud to win gold for my country.”

Nupur, overwhelmed with emotion, added, “I lost to her (Talipova) last year, so this win is sweet revenge. I just stayed focused and trusted my punches.”

The BFI President praised the boxers and coaches for their efforts: “This result in Astana is historic. These young boxers have made the country proud and set the stage for a strong showing at the upcoming Asian Championships and Olympic qualifiers.”

What Lies Ahead

With the Asian Boxing Championships and Olympic qualifiers lined up later this year, the momentum from Astana will play a crucial role in boosting confidence and morale. The performance of debutants and young fighters signals the arrival of a new generation of Indian boxing stars, ready to shine on the world stage.

The Indian boxing fraternity will now shift its focus to maintaining this rhythm, ensuring sustained success in the road to Paris 2026 and beyond.

India’s boxing success in Astana marks a new dawn for the sport, led by the fearless punches of women warriors. As the tricolor soared high and the national anthem echoed in the Kazakh capital, the message was loud and clear — India is ready to conquer the boxing world.