Astana, July 6 (UNI) India opened its gold medal account at the World Boxing Cup – Astana 2025 with a resounding win by two-time youth world champion Sakshi, who clinched the top podium spot in the women’s 54kg category with a commanding performance against Yosline Perez of the USA.
The 24-year-old Sakshi showed her trademark aggression and speed to secure a unanimous decision from the judges, marking a high point in India’s strong campaign at the event.
India is now assured of 11 medals at the Astana leg of the Cup, following a successful outing in Brazil where the contingent returned with six medals, including a gold and a silver.
Today morning, Sakshi emerged as the standout performer among four Indian finalists in action. Her mix of swift footwork and sharp combinations proved too much for Perez, underlining her growing stature in international boxing.
In other bouts, Meenakshi gave local favourite Nazym Kyzaibay a tough fight in the 48kg final but lost in a narrow 3:2 split decision. Jugnoo (men’s 85kg) and Pooja Rani (women’s 80kg) also claimed silver medals after going down 0:5 to Kazakhstan’s Bekzad Nurdauletov and Australia’s Eseta Flint respectively.
India’s medal tally could further improve, with four more boxers set to compete for gold in the evening session. Leading the charge is Brazil-leg gold medallist Hitesh Gulia (men’s 70kg), joined by Abhinash Jamwal (men’s 65kg), Jaismine (women’s 57kg), and Nupur (women’s 85+ kg).
With India’s medal count climbing steadily, the World Boxing Cup campaign reflects the country’s rising profile in the global boxing arena.
