Services Boxers Dominate: Triumph at Inaugural BFI Cup

Chennai, Oct 7 (PTI) — Services boxers have once again showcased their dominance in the national boxing circuit. The men's competition at the inaugural BFI Cup came to a gripping conclusion this Tuesday with triumphant performances from boxers Vishwanath, Husamuddin, Vanshaj, Sachin, and Ankush in the finals. In the 47-50kg category, Asian U-22 champion S Vishwanath from Services set the stage with a resounding 5-0 victory over Ashish from Haryana. Meanwhile, Ashish also from Services won a hard-fought 3-2 match against Navraj of AIP in the 50-55kg final. World Championships bronze medallist Mohammad Husamuddin from Services maintained his impressive form, securing a 5-0 win over Sagar Jakhar of SAI in the 55-60kg category. Services’ Vanshaj emerged victorious in a tight 3-2 contest against his teammate Preet Malik in the 60-65kg weight class. Sumit Kumar from SAI demonstrated absolute control, defeating Rajat of Services 5-0 in the 65-70kg final. Further showcasing Services’ dominance, Sachin achieved a clear 5-0 win against Neeraj of Haryana in the 70-75kg category. In the 75-80kg finals, Ankush from Services marked another emphatic 5-0 win over Aman's challenge from Chandigarh. In the heavier categories, Naveen Boora from Services overcame Vinit of Railways with a 3-0 scoreline in the 80-85kg contest. Daksh of SAI narrowly edged out Vishal Gupta of Services 3-2 to clinch the 85-90kg title. The competition climaxed with a thrilling super heavyweight final, where Sawan Gill from Chandigarh defeated Lakshya Rathi of SAI 3-2 in the 90-90+kg division. Ultimately, Services distinguished themselves as the foremost team, clinching seven gold medals, with Haryana and Railways ending up in second and third places according to the overall medals tally. Individual accolades saw Maharashtra's Khushi Jadhav, victor of the 54kg category, taking home the best boxer title among women. Parthavi Grehwal of Rajasthan in the 65kg category was named the best challenger, while Tamil Nadu's G. Resika in the 80+kg class was deemed the most promising pugilist. In the men's division, Ashish of Services was honored as the best boxer in the 55kg category, while Lakshya Rathi of SAI in the 90+kg category earned the best challenger accolade. Lastly, Tamil Nadu's Lukas in the 50kg class was recognized as the most promising boxer.