Jyoti, Aakash added to India's World Boxing Cup squad for Guiyang leg
New Delhi, June 13
Boxing Federation of India President Ajay Singh has stepped in to facilitate the participation of boxers Jyoti and Aakash at the upcoming World Boxing Cup 2026 in Guiyang, China.
With the tournament set to commence on Monday, the two boxers were not part of the final government-sanctioned contingent. BFI President Ajay Singh stepped in to ensure their participation, allowing Jyoti and Aakash to join the Indian squad for the World Boxing Cup Stage 2 in Guiyang, China, as per a release from BFI.
The decision will enable Jyoti and Aakash to join the Indian team in Guiyang, providing them with valuable international exposure and an opportunity to compete against top-level opposition while earning important ranking points on the international circuit.
"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," said Ajay Singh, President, Boxing Federation of India.
With the inclusion of Jyoti and Aakash, India's contingent for World Boxing Cup Stage 2 in Guiyang has been expanded from 18 to 20 boxers, comprising 10 men and 10 women.
Consolidated Indian Squad for World Boxing Cup 2026 (Stage 2)
Women's Squad (10 Boxers):
Jyoti (48 kg), Minakshi (51kg), Poonam (54 kg), Prachi (57 kg), Mahi Lama (60 kg), Saneh (65 kg), Gitimoni G (70 kg), Sanamacha C (75 kg), Naina (80 kg), Alfiya Tarannum Akram Khan Pathan (+80 kg)
Men's Squad (10 Boxers):
Rishi S (50kg), Nikhil (55kg), Anmol (60kg), Abhinash Jamwal (65kg), Deepak (70kg), Aakash (75kg), Malsawmtluanga (80kg), Jugnoo (85kg), Harsh Choudhary (90kg), Sawan G (+90kg).
— ANI
Reader Comments
The squad looks strong overall. Women's team especially has some exciting names like Minakshi and Sanamacha. But I do wonder why the government-sanctioned contingent left out two deserving boxers in the first place. Hope there's some transparency on how selections are made.
Happy for Jyoti! She's been training so hard in the 48kg category. International exposure is key for our boxers, especially before major events like the Asian Games. Let's hope the BFI continues to prioritize athletes over bureaucratic delays.
As a boxing fan, I've seen how valuable these World Boxing Cup tournaments are for ranking points. Great move by Ajay Singh to expand the squad to 20. India's depth in boxing is improving, and we need to keep sending our best to compete globally. Best of luck to all the boxers!
Aakash in 75kg men's category – that's a tough weight class. Hope he gets some good bouts in China. The men's squad also has Malsawmtluanga, which shows we're developing talent from across the country. ✨
Nice to see the BFI president personally intervening for athletes. That's leadership. But I hope the sports ministry and BFI streamline these processes so no deserving athlete ever has to rely on last-minute interventions. Consistency is key for long-term success.
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