New Delhi: In a momentous occasion for Indian boxing, Hitesh scripted history by becoming the first Indian to clinch a gold medal at the World Boxing Cup in Brazil 2025. The achievement marked a significant milestone as the Indian boxing team secured a total of six medals, including one silver, in their debut at the Elite level international meet.
The World Boxing Cup, held in Foz Do Iguacu, Brazil, witnessed a remarkable turn of events as Hitesh rose to the challenge in the 70kg category. His opponent, Odel Kamara of England, was unfortunately unable to compete due to injury, which led to Hitesh receiving a walkover in the final. Earlier, Hitesh had outmaneuvered France’s Makan Traore, a Paris 2024 Olympian, in an impressive performance.
Abhinash Jamwal, another standout from the Indian contingent, won a silver medal in the 65kg category after putting up a valiant fight against local favorite Yuri Reis. Alongside these notable achievements, four Indian boxers—Jadumani Singh Mandengbam, Manish Rathore, Sachin, and Vishal—each claimed bronze medals in their respective weight categories.
Hitesh credited a strategic 10-day preparation camp in Brazil for his success, acknowledging that it helped him learn tactical nuances essential for competing at the highest level. This intensive training not only boosted Hitesh’s performance but also contributed to the overall success of the Indian team. India fielded a 10-member contingent at the World Boxing Cup, their first major international outing since the Paris Olympics.
The strong performance by the Indian boxing team is set to enhance their confidence as they begin preparing for the 2028 Olympic cycle. With such a promising display at the world stage, Indian boxing looks poised to make significant strides in international competitions.
