NEW DELHI: India’s boxing star Sakshi delivered a commanding performance to secure the country’s first gold medal at the second World Boxing Cup, dominating the women’s 54kg final in Astana on Sunday. The 24-year-old two-time youth world champion outclassed USA’s Yosline Perez with a unanimous 5-0 decision, showcasing her trademark aggression, speed, and precision punching.
Sakshi’s gold was the highlight of the morning session, where four Indian boxers were in action. Her clinical victory added to India’s impressive medal haul at the tournament, with the country now assured of 11 medals overall. In the first leg of the Cup held in Brazil, India had claimed six medals, including one gold and a silver.
In the other finals of the day, Meenakshi (women’s 48kg) fought valiantly against local favourite Nazym Kyzaibay, but narrowly missed out on gold, losing in a 3-2 split verdict. Despite the loss, her performance earned praise for her grit and resilience.
Jugnoo (men’s 85kg) and seasoned boxer Pooja Rani (women’s 80kg) had to settle for silver medals after facing tough opponents in their respective finals. Jugnoo was defeated 0-5 by Bekzad Nurdauletov of Kazakhstan, while Pooja also lost 0-5 to Australia’s Eseta Flint.
India’s medal tally could still rise as four more Indian boxers were scheduled to fight for gold in the evening session. Among them is Hitesh Gulia (men’s 70kg), who already clinched gold in the Brazil leg and is aiming for back-to-back titles. He will be joined by Abhinash Jamwal (men’s 65kg), Jaismine (women’s 57kg), and Nupur (women’s 85+kg), all of whom are strong contenders.
With multiple boxers reaching finals and delivering podium finishes, India’s boxing contingent has made a powerful statement on the international stage, continuing its rise in the global boxing arena.
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