The Indian team heading to the World Boxing Championships in Liverpool, UK, is looking strong and optimistic. The competition starts later on Thursday, and India’s boxers have received a good draw, avoiding tough opponents in the early rounds. This gives them a better chance to advance further in their categories.
Notable Indian boxers like Hitesh Gulia (men’s 70kg), Abhinash Jamwal (men’s 65kg), Nikhat Zareen (women’s 51kg), and Lovlina Borgohain (women’s 70kg) are prepared to shine. Hitesh, Abhinash, and Lovlina have a bye in the first round, meaning they automatically move on. Meanwhile, Nikhat Zareen will face Jennifer Lozana from the USA in her opening match.
This is a historic moment as this is the first time that men’s and women’s boxing championships are held together under the new World Boxing organization. Over 544 boxers from 68 countries are competing in 20 different weight categories.
The Indian team is aiming for a strong performance, boosted by the return of former world champion Nikhat Zareen and Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist Lovlina Borgohain. Both had a great domestic season but haven’t competed internationally this year. Their performances in domestic tournaments and trials have been impressive, showing they are in good form.
Indian boxers have already done well in recent international events, winning 17 medals—including four golds—in the World Boxing Cup in Brazil and Kazakhstan. Their success gives hope for a good show at this world championship.
Some of the other Indian fighters to watch include Sakshi (women’s 54kg), who will start against Viktoriia Shkeul from Ukraine. Jaismine Lamboria (women’s 57kg) is also in good shape and has a tough match against Brazil’s rising star Jucielen Cerqueira Romeu. Jaismine has already beaten Romeu before and is confident about her chances.
On the first day, four Indian boxers will compete. Pawan Bartwal (men’s 55kg) starts against Brazil’s Michael Douglas Trindade. Sakshi (women’s 54kg), senior boxer Sanamacha Chanu (women’s 70kg), and Harsh Choudhary (men’s 90kg) will compete in the evening session.
Here’s a quick overview of some key Indian matches:
Women’s Category:
- Nikhat Zareen (51kg) vs Jennifer Lozana (USA)
- Sakshi (54kg) vs Viktoriia Shkeul (Ukraine)
- Jaismine Lamboria (57kg) vs Daria-Olha Hutarina (Ukraine)
- Lovlina Borgohain (70kg) has a bye, starting her campaign later
- Others include Meenakshi Hooda (48kg), Sanju Khatri (60kg), and Pooja Rani (80kg)
Men’s Category:
- Pawan Bartwal (55kg) vs Michael Douglas Trindade (Brazil)
- Hitesh Gulia (70kg) has a bye and is favorite to reach the finals
- Abhinash Jamwal (65kg) also starts with a bye
- Harsh Choudhary (90kg) will compete against Adam Tutak from Poland
- Big names like Lakshya Chahar (80kg) and Jugnoo Ahlawat (85kg) also begin their campaigns
India is hopeful that their boxers will continue their winning streak and bring home medals from Liverpool. Fans are eager to see their champions perform on the world stage and make the country proud in this exciting global boxing event.
