World Boxing Cup Finals: Minakshi, Preeti, Arundhati, Nupur Win Gold For India
Minakshi (48kg), Preeti (54kg), Arundhati Choudhary (70kg), and Nupur (80+kg) powered to gold medals as India’s women boxers enjoyed a landmark day at the World Boxing Cup Finals 2025, thrilling a packed Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex.
Their victories came in key Olympic weight categories that will feature at the 2028 Games, where the sport will achieve full gender parity — a timely boost for India as it builds towards Los Angeles.
The women’s successes capped a remarkable campaign for the hosts, who also saw Jadumani Singh, Pawan Bartwal, Abhinash Jamwal, and Ankush Phangal secure silver, underscoring India’s rising depth across both men’s and women’s divisions. Seven more Indians will be in gold medal action in Session 7, including reigning World Champion Jaismine Lamboira, two-time former World Champion Nikhat Zareen, and dual World Cup medalist Hitesh Gulia.
Minakshi set the tone early with a commanding 5–0 win over reigning Asian Champion Farzona Fozilova, unleashing aggression from the opening bell. The World Champion showcased speed, precision, and airtight defence, cracking open the contest with a sharp left–right in the first round and never relinquishing control.
Preeti followed with another unanimous 5–0 verdict, overwhelming Italy’s World Championship medallist Sirine Charrabi with relentless pressure, superior footwork, and crisp head shots that repeatedly forced her opponent onto the back foot.
Former Youth World Champion Arundhati Choudhary produced one of the day’s most complete performances on her return after 18 months, dismantling Uzbekistan’s Aziza Zokirova 5–0 with sharp jabs, solid counters, and disciplined ring craft.
Nupur completed the women’s gold rush with a hard-earned 3–2 victory over Uzbekistan’s Sotimboeva Oltinoy in a tense tactical contest.
In the men’s finals, India collected four silver medals. Jadumani Singh (50kg) battled valiantly before going down 1–4 to Uzbekistan’s Asilbek Jalilov. Pawan Bartwal (55kg), who recorded one of the tournament’s biggest upsets earlier, lost to Samandar Olimov. Abhinash Jamwal (65kg) fought a spirited bout but fell 1–4 to Japan’s experienced Shion Nishiyama, while Ankush Phangal (80kg) was edged out by England’s defending champion Shittu Oladimeji.
