Indian Boxers Aim for Glory at World Boxing Championships

Liverpool, Sep 3 (PTI) Indian boxers are set to face a significant challenge against formidable opponents as they aim to equal or surpass their previous medal tally at the World Boxing Championships, commencing Thursday. This year marks a new era for the Championships, as they will be held under the management of the newly established World Boxing organization and, for the first time, will feature both men's and women's events concurrently.

India had a commendable run earlier in 2023, with the women's team securing four golds in New Delhi, while the men's team brought home three bronze medals from Tashkent. However, the momentum waned as the year progressed, leading to lackluster showings at the Asian Games and a disappointing performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Despite Indian boxers enjoying a successful haul from the World Boxing Cups earlier in the year, the scale and level of competition in the Championships—featuring over 550 athletes from more than 65 countries, including 17 Paris Olympic medallists—pose a tough contest.

Nikhat and Lovlina Set to Return

Two-time world champion Nikhat Zareen and Tokyo Olympic bronze medallist Lovlina Borgohain are making their international comebacks after over a year. Due to missing numerous competitions this year, both may enter the Championships unseeded, potentially leading to challenging opponents in early stages.

Nikhat is entering the 51kg category after previous victories at 52kg in 2022 and 50kg in 2023. Weight management presents a concern for her, especially after her performance in the Paris Olympics, where she was bested by China's Wu Yu in the second round.

Lovlina, a three-time Worlds medallist, will seek to reclaim her title in the 75kg weight class. She must navigate past several familiar and new adversaries. Alongside veterans like Pooja Rani, a two-time Asian champion and July World Cup silver medallist, they form the experienced core of India's women's squad.

In addition, athletes like Jaismine Lamboria (57kg), Sakshi (54kg), and Nupur Sheoran (80+kg), who all performed remarkably at the World Boxing Cup in Kazakhstan, are anticipated to be seeded.

Introducing a New-look Men's Squad

The Indian men's boxing team is largely comprised of fresh talent, presenting a potential challenge as they face tough competition. Notably absent are last edition's bronze medallists Nishant Dev, Deepak Bhoria, and Mohammad Hussamuddin, due to various reasons.

The squad's leadership includes Sumit Kundu, returning post-injury, alongside 2021 World Youth champion Sachin Siwach, and the experienced Harsh Choudhary (86kg). Newcomers like Jadumani Singh Mandengbam (50kg), Hitesh Gulia (70kg), and Abhinash Jamwal (65kg) are eager to make an impression on the world stage.

Squad Details

Women: Meenakshi Hooda (48kg), Nikhat Zareen (51kg), Sakshi (54kg), Jaismine Lamboria (57kg), Sanju Khatri (60kg), Neeraj Phogat (60kg), Sanamacha Chanu (70kg), Lovlina Borgohain (75kg), Pooja Rani (80kg), Nupur Sheoran (80+kg).

Men: Jadumani Singh Mandengbam (50kg), Pawan Bartwal (55kg), Sachin Siwach (60kg), Abhinash Jamwal (65kg), Hitesh Gulia (70kg), Sumit Kundu (75kg), Lakshya Chahar (80kg), Jugnoo Ahlawat (85kg), Harsh Chaudhary (90kg), Narender Berwal (90+kg).

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