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India's Boxing Elite Converge for Historic Simultaneous Nationals in Noida

The Boxing Federation of India is set to host the Elite Men and Women National Championships simultaneously for the first time ever from January 4-10, 2026, in Greater Noida. The event will feature approximately 600 boxers, including top stars like world champions Meenakshi and Nikhat Zareen, and Olympic medallist Lovlina Borgohain. With direct entry for World Boxing Cup participants, the nationals serve as a crucial selection trial for upcoming major events like the Asian and Commonwealth Games. Medallists will earn a call-up to the national camp, shaping the core of India's future boxing contingent.

Key Points: Elite Boxing Nationals: Meenakshi, Nikhat, Lovlina Vie for Glory

  • Historic simultaneous men's & women's nationals
  • 600+ boxers across 20 weight categories
  • Platform for Asian & Commonwealth Games selection
  • Direct entry for World Cup participants
  • National camp berths for medallists
2 min read

Country's top boxers all set to punch to glory at Elite Men, Women Nationals from January 4-10

Top Indian boxers, including world champions Meenakshi & Nikhat Zareen, compete at the historic simultaneous Men's & Women's Nationals from Jan 4-10, 2026.

"Indian boxing is on an upward trajectory... The upcoming Nationals provides... a platform to showcase their skills and stake claim for National team selection. - Ajay Singh, BFI President"

New Delhi, January 3

World champion Meenakshi, two-time former world champion Nikhat Zareen, and multiple medallists of the World Boxing Cup will be vying for top honours at the Elite Men and Women National Boxing Championships to be played at Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida, from January 4-10, 2026.

This will be the first time the Men's and Women's National Championships will be held simultaneously at the same venue, with approximately 600 male & female boxers together from across India set to participate across 10 weight categories each, as per a release from the Boxing Federation of India.

"Indian boxing is on an upward trajectory with our boxers dominating the World Boxing Cup Finals and winning numerous medals in international competitions. The upcoming Nationals provides the established boxers and their challengers a platform to showcase their skills and stake claim for National team selection ahead of the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games," said Boxing Federation of India president Ajay Singh.

Other prominent names which will be in action at the Nationals include reigning world champion Jaismine, Olympic medallist Lovlina Borgohain, world championships bronze medallists Pooja Rani and Parveen, former world champion Nitu Ghanghas, Asian Games bronze medallist Preeti Pawar among women and world boxing cup finals gold medallist Hitesh and Sachin, world boxing cup finals silver medallist Abhinash Jamwal, asian games bronze medallist Narender Berwal, and world championships silver medallist & asian games gold medallist Amit Panghal in men's section.

Each member association may send up to 10 men and 10 women boxers, while athletes who participated in the World Boxing Cup Finals in Noida in November 2025 have received direct entry into the nationals. Only boxers born between January 1, 1985, and December 31, 2006, will be eligible to compete.

All the medallists in Olympic weight categories will be called for the national camp, while only the gold and silver medallists from all the non-Olympic weight categories will be part of the camp following the Nationals.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Our women boxers are truly world-class! Meenakshi, Nikhat, Lovlina... what a lineup. They inspire so many young girls across the country. Hope the event gets good TV coverage.
R
Rohit P
Good to see direct entry for World Cup participants. Saves our top athletes from unnecessary qualifying fatigue. Focus should be on Asian and Commonwealth Games preparation. All the best to all boxers!
S
Sarah B
While the talent pool is impressive, I hope the federation ensures fair judging and transparency. Sometimes in national events, politics can overshadow pure performance. The selection for the national camp must be merit-based only.
V
Vikram M
Amit Panghal is back! After that Asian Games gold, he's the one to watch in the men's section. 600 boxers is a huge number. Shows how deep the talent runs now. Boxing has come a long way in India.
K
Kavya N
Greater Noida is a good venue. Hope the facilities are top-notch for our athletes. They deserve the best. Shoutout to all the coaches and support staff working behind the scenes. 🙏

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