Indian Boxers Dominate World Cup Stage
Indian pugilists have delivered a sensational performance on home soil at the World Boxing Cup Finals 2025, being held in Greater Noida, confirming an unprecedented number of medals for the host nation. The Indian contingent has secured a spot in the semi-finals across a large majority of the event categories, showcasing the remarkable depth and talent currently emerging in the country’s boxing ecosystem.
The tournament, which features only the world’s top eight-ranked boxers in each weight class, ensures that every victory is hard-earned. The format of the competition means that reaching the semi-finals immediately guarantees a podium finish, solidifying India’s strong presence on the international stage.
The women’s categories have been particularly successful, marked by stunning upsets and highly tactical victories. Preeti Pawar (54kg) delivered one of the biggest wins by defeating the reigning Olympic medallist and three-time World Champion, Huang Hsiao-Wen of Chinese Taipei, in a hard-fought semi-final bout. This commanding performance demonstrated the Indian boxer’s fearlessness and resolve against a formidable opponent.
Another standout performer was Minakshi Hooda (48kg), the reigning World Champion, who secured her place in the final with a unanimous 5-0 decision against her opponent. Arundhati Chaudhary (70kg) also made a triumphant return to the international circuit, winning her bout emphatically by Referee Stops Contest (RSC), showcasing impressive power and control.
On the men’s side, several emerging talents have risen to the occasion. Pawan Bartwal (55kg) caused a major upset by stunning the World Cup Brazil gold medallist and second seed, Altynbek Nursultan of Kazakhstan, in a narrow but decisive victory. His win was hailed as one of the most significant triumphs of the tournament’s opening rounds.
Similarly, Hitesh Gulia (70kg) overcame a highly decorated opponent, edging out the Asian Games champion, Sewon Okazawa of Japan, in a gripping split-decision bout. Other Indian male boxers including Jadumani Singh (50kg), Sumit Kundu (75kg), Ankush Phangal (80kg), and Narender Berwal (90+kg) all cruised through their respective quarter-final clashes, ensuring an impressive haul of medals for the nation.
These consistent and dominant performances, especially against world-class, experienced opposition, underscore the success of the current national boxing training programs. The home advantage, coupled with the athletes’ sheer determination, has translated into a historic run at the World Boxing Cup Finals. With several Indians confirmed to fight for gold in the coming days, the focus now shifts to converting these assured medals into the top spot on the podium. The final days of the tournament promise thrilling, high-stakes action.
