Nikhat Zareen and Jaismine Lamboria Lead Charge as Women Pugilists Shine Bright in Historic Home Triumph
Published on: November 24, 2025
By: BTNI
Location: GREATER NOIDA , India
In a spectacle of sheer grit and glory, India’s boxers scripted an unforgettable chapter in sporting history by clinching an unprecedented 20 medals – nine glittering golds, six silvers, and five bronzes – at the World Boxing Cup Finals 2025. The five-day extravaganza, hosted at the Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex, concluded on Thursday with the home team atop the medal tally, outshining powerhouses like Uzbekistan, who managed four golds.
The women’s contingent stole the spotlight, securing seven of the nine gold medals and dominating across weight categories, underscoring India’s rising prowess in global amateur boxing. Reigning world champions Nikhat Zareen (51kg) and Jaismine Lamboria (57kg) set the tone for the evening finals, delivering masterclass performances. Nikhat dismantled Chinese Taipei’s Yi-Xuan Guo with a unanimous 5-0 verdict, her razor-sharp combinations and unyielding pressure leaving no room for error. Jaismine, facing Paris 2024 bronze medallist Wu Shih-Yi, edged out a thrilling 4-1 split decision, blending explosive power with tactical finesse to spark wild cheers from the packed arena.
Earlier in the afternoon, the Indian women completed a flawless sweep. Minakshi Hooda (48kg) kicked off the gold rush with a commanding 5-0 unanimous win over Uzbekistan’s Fozilova Farzona, her relentless aggression overwhelming the Asian champion. Preeti Pawar (54kg) followed suit, cruising to a 5-0 victory against Italy’s Sirine Charrabi through precise jabs and impeccable defense. Arundhati Choudhary (70kg), returning triumphantly after an 18-month hiatus, outclassed world championships medallist Aziza Zokirova 5-0, while Nupur Sheoran (80+kg) clinched a hard-fought 3-2 split decision over Asian silver medallist Sotimboeva Oltinoy.
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The men’s team, though settling for more silvers, contributed valiantly with two golds from Sachin (60kg) and another standout. Silvers came from Jadumani Singh (50kg), who fell 4-1 to Uzbekistan’s Asilbek Jalilov; Pawan Bartwal (55kg), defeated by Samandar Olimov; Abhinash Jamwal (65kg); Ankush Phangal (80kg), outpointed by England’s Shittu Oladimeji; and Narender Berwal (90+kg). Bronze medals were secured by semi-finalists Sumit (75kg), Jugnoo (85kg), and others like Neeraj Phogat (65kg) and Saweety Boora (75kg), ensuring every one of India’s 20-strong contingent returned with hardware.B
oxing Federation of India (BFI) President Ajay Singh hailed the haul as “a testament to our boxers’ unyielding resolve and the fruits of rigorous preparation amid global challenges.” The tournament, the inaugural edition under World Boxing, featured over 130 pugilists from 18 nations across 10 weight classes each for men and women. Despite a relatively lighter international field – with powerhouses like Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan sending B-teams – India’s depth shone through, providing invaluable exposure ahead of major events like the 2026 Commonwealth Games and Asian Championships.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the team on social media, calling it “a proud moment for every Indian, showcasing the true spirit of ‘Naari Shakti’ in the ring.” Sports Minister Anurag Thakur announced cash rewards totaling ₹1.5 crore, with individual bonuses for gold medallists, while corporate sponsors pledged additional support for training camps.
As confetti rained down and the national anthem echoed through the venue, captain Nikhat Zareen, tears in her eyes, summed up the emotion: “This isn’t just about medals; it’s about proving we belong at the top. We’ve fought battles in and out of the ring, and this victory is for every young dreamer back home.
“With this record-breaking performance, India’s boxers have not only filled the trophy cabinet but ignited a fire that promises even greater feats. The road to the Olympics and beyond looks brighter than ever. Jai Hind!
