Boxing World Cup: Minakshi advances to quarters in China
Guiyang, June 18
Indian boxer Minakshi secured a win on the fourth day of the Boxing World Cup in China, moving on to the quarterfinals in her weight class.
Minakshi, the reigning 48kg World Champion and current World No. 1, now competing in the women's 51kg category, secured a decisive 5-0 unanimous decision victory over Poland's Natalia Kuczewska, advancing in the competition.
On day four, Abhinash Jamwal (65kg) was eliminated after losing 0-5 to Kyrgyzstan's Mirzokhid Imamnazarov.
So far in the tournament, five Indian boxers have reached the quarterfinals: Nikhil (55kg), Deepak (70kg), Minakshi (51kg), Prachi (57kg), and Saneh (65kg). Additionally, Jyoti (48kg) and Jugnoo (85kg) have secured medals by advancing to the semi-finals.
Jyoti was a late addition to India's squad as the BFI expanded the 18-member squad to 20, adding Aakash alongside in the 75kg category as India's contingent saw 10 male and 10 female boxers represent the nation.
"Our foremost responsibility is towards the athletes. International competitions play a vital role in a boxer's development, and every deserving athlete should have the opportunity to test themselves against the best in the world. Jyoti and Aakash have worked hard to earn this chance, and it is important that they are able to compete, gain valuable exposure against top international opponents and further their development at the highest level," Ajay Singh, President of the Boxing Federation of India, had said.
On Day 5, four Indian boxers will compete in their quarterfinal matches. In the women's category, Minakshi (51kg) will face Kazakhstan's Alua Balkibekova, Saneh (65kg) will face Poland's Kinga Krowka, and Prachi (57kg) will face Shih Yi Wu of Chinese Taipei. In the men's division, Nikhil (55kg) will go up against Azerbaijan's Amin Mammadzada.
Results (India):
Won:
Minakshi (51kg-W) bt Natalia Kuczewska (Poland) 5-0
Lost:
Abhinash Jamwal (65kg) lost to Mirzokhid Imamnazarov (Kyrgyzstan) 0-5
Indian Boxers in Quarterfinals:
Nikhil (55kg)
Deepak (70kg)
Minakshi (51kg-W)
Prachi (57kg-W)
Saneh (65kg-W)
Indian Boxers in Semi-finals:
Jyoti (48kg-W)
Jugnoo (85kg)
Day 5 Schedule (India):
Minakshi (51kg-W) vs Alua Balkibekova (Kazakhstan)
Saneh (65kg-W) vs Kinga Krowka (Poland)
Nikhil (55kg) vs Amin Mammadzada (Azerbaijan)
Prachi (57kg-W) vs Chengyu Yang (Chinese Taipei)
Deepak Poonia (70KG) vs Nabi Isgandarov (Azerbaijan)
— IANS
Reader Comments
Wonderful to see so many Indian women boxers in the quarterfinals and beyond. Minakshi, Prachi, Saneh, and Jyoti—truly a golden generation for Indian women's boxing! Hope the federation continues to support these athletes with more international exposure like they did for Jyoti and Aakash.
Impressive depth in Indian boxing right now. 7 boxers already in quarters or semis is no small feat. Minakshi's transition to a higher weight class will be key to watch. The Kazakhstan boxer she faces next is tough, but Minakshi has the skills and temperament to win. Best of luck to the Indian contingent!
Great performance by Minakshi! But we need to talk about Abhinash Jamwal's exit—losing 0-5 is a bit worrying. The men's side needs to step up their game. Only Nikhil and Deepak left in quarters for the men. Would like to see more balance in performances. Still, proud of our girls! 💪
Five Indian boxers in the quarterfinals and two already guaranteed medals in the semis. That's solid progress for Indian boxing. Minakshi is the standout star, but credit to the BFI for expanding the squad and giving opportunities to boxers like Jyoti who have now secured medals. These are the steps needed to build a strong boxing culture.
Minakshi is a true champion! World No. 1 moving up a weight class and winning decisively. Salute to her dedication. But I wish our male boxers also showed similar consistency. Deepak Poonia has a
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