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World Boxing Cup 2025 in Kazakhstan was the bearer of good news for the Indian contingent. India finished the tournament with an impressive tally of 11 medals - country’s best-ever haul at the event - comprising three gold, five silver, and three bronze. They carried forward a strong momentum from the first leg of the World Boxing Cup, held in Brazil, where they collected six medals, including one gold and one silver. It was a memorable campaign for Indian women boxers, who clinched gold medals in their respective categories.
India’s two-time youth world champion Sakshi delivered a commanding performance to secure India’s first gold medal. Competing in the women’s 54kg final, the 24-year-old overpowered USA’s Yosline Perez with the relentless attack to win by unanimous decision. Sakshi with an aggressive approach showcased a visual treat of quick footwork, fluid combination punches throughout the bout, stamping her authority.
By the end of the first session, it was Sakshi who managed to stand at top of the podium and opened India’s gold medal account. Earlier, Meenakshi pushed hard for victory against local favourite Nazym Kyzaibay in the 48kg final but ended as the runners-up with a 3:2 verdict. Pooja Rani also returned home with a silver medal after losing her final bout in the women’s 80kg category.
Olympians Jaismine and Nupur win gold in 57kg and 80-plus kg respectively
The other gold medalists from the tournament included Olympian Jaismine Lamboria (57kg) and Nupur (80+ kg). In the evening session of the final day, it was Jaismine's tryst with the gold medal, where she faced a stiff challenge from Brazil’s Jucielen Cequeira Romeu. However, both were evenly matched till the second round, but in the final round it was Jaismine’s tactical counter-punching that gave her an edge. On the other hand, Nupur wrapped up India’s golden run by overpowering Kazakhstan’s Yeldana Talipova. She dominated the game after dropping the first round in a 5-0 verdict.
In the men’s final, Jugnoo (85 kg) fell to Kazakhstan’s Nurdauletov with a 0-5 scoreline. Hitesh Gulia (70 kg) was outboxed by Brazil’s Kaian Oliveira while Abhinash Jamwal (65 kg) suffered a narrow defeat against Brazil’s Yuri Falcao. Over 400 boxers from 31 countries competed at the Kazakhstan leg of World Boxing Cup, the finals are set to be hosted at New Delhi, India, in November.
