New Delhi: Preeti Pawar announced her return to international boxing with a commanding performance, securing a medal for India on the opening day of the World Boxing Cup Finals. Competing for the first time in a year after battling Hepatitis A, the 22-year-old advanced to the semifinals of the women’s 54kg category with a unanimous win over Uzbekistan’s Nigina Uktamova, a fellow Asian Games bronze medallist.
Diagnosed with Hepatitis A just a month before the Paris Olympics, Preeti fought through the illness during the Games before being forced into an extended recovery. After three months of complete rest, she gradually worked her way back into competitive shape, focusing heavily on endurance and sparring sessions designed to rebuild strength. Her efforts were evident on Sunday as she controlled the tempo throughout, using quick movement, sharp defence and clean combinations to keep Uktamova under constant pressure.
India’s strong start continued with Minakshi Hooda, Narender Berwal and Ankush Phangal also progressing to the semifinals. Reigning world champion Minakshi dominated her women’s 48kg quarterfinal, outclassing Kazakhstan’s Bolat Akbot with superior reach and sustained attacking rhythm. She maintained control from the opening jab, steadily building momentum with precise combinations.
Making his senior international debut, Ankush delivered a mature and composed showing in the men’s 80kg category. After absorbing early aggression from Japan’s Go Wakaya, he shifted gears with accuracy and timing to claim a unanimous decision victory. In the men’s 90kg division, experienced boxer Narender secured a 4-1 split decision against Ukraine’s Andrii Khaletskyi, drawing on his tactical awareness to edge ahead in a closely contested bout.
Elsewhere in the tournament, Poland’s Wiktoria Rogalińska, Uzbekistan’s Aziza Zokirova, Ukraine’s Elvin Aliiev, Uzbekistan’s Adkhamjon Mukhiddinov, Kazakhstan’s Begaliyev Sanzhar-Ali, Australia’s Marlon Sevehon and Uzbekistan’s Khalimjon Mamasoliev all recorded emphatic wins to progress in their respective categories.
India now heads into the semifinals with strong medal prospects across multiple divisions after a dominant opening day.
