India’s Stellar Performance at the 2025 World Boxing Cup in Brazil
The 2025 World Boxing Cup in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil, marked a historic milestone for Indian boxing, with the national team securing an impressive tally of six medals: one gold, one silver, and four bronze.
This remarkable achievement underscores India’s growing prominence in the international boxing arena.
Hitesh Gulia emerged as the standout performer, clinching India’s first-ever gold medal at the World Boxing Cup. Competing in the men’s 70kg category, Gulia was set to face England’s Odel Kamara in the final.
However, Kamara’s withdrawal due to unforeseen circumstances resulted in a walkover, awarding Gulia the gold medal. This victory not only etched Gulia’s name in the annals of Indian boxing history but also served as an inspiration for aspiring pugilists nationwide.
Abhinash Jamwal Secures Silver in Men’s 65kg
In the men’s 65kg category, Abhinash Jamwal showcased exceptional skill and determination throughout the tournament. After a series of commanding victories, Jamwal advanced to the final, where he faced Brazil’s Yuri Reis.
Despite a valiant effort, Jamwal succumbed to a 0-5 defeat, earning a well-deserved silver medal. His journey to the final, highlighted by a unanimous decision win over Germany’s Denis Bril in the quarterfinals, exemplifies his tenacity and promise in the sport.
Bronze Medals Galore for Indian Boxers
The Indian contingent’s success was further amplified by four bronze medals across various weight categories:
- Jadumani Singh Mandengbam (50kg): Mandengbam’s path to the semifinals was marked by a hard-fought victory over Great Britain’s Ellis Trowbridge. Although he fell short in the semifinals, his performance secured him a bronze medal, adding to India’s medal haul.
- Manish Rathore (55kg): Rathore demonstrated resilience and skill, advancing to the semifinals where he faced Kazakhstan’s Nursultan Altynbek. Despite a valiant effort, Rathore settled for bronze, marking a significant achievement in his burgeoning career.
- Sachin Siwach (60kg): Siwach’s journey was commendable, as he navigated through a competitive field to reach the semifinals. His efforts culminated in a bronze medal, reflecting his potential on the international stage.
- Vishal (90kg): Competing in the higher weight category, Vishal showcased power and technique, advancing to the semifinals and securing a bronze medal, further contributing to India’s impressive medal tally.
Team India’s Overall Performance
The collective efforts of the Indian boxing team resulted in a total of six medals, positioning India as a formidable force in the tournament. The final medal tally stood at one gold, one silver, and four bronze medals, reflecting the depth of talent and preparation within the squad.
Path to the Medals
The journey to this success was paved with notable performances:
- Hitesh Gulia’s Semifinal Triumph: Before clinching gold, Gulia delivered a stellar performance against France’s Makan Traore in the semifinals, securing a unanimous 5-0 victory that showcased his dominance in the ring.
- Abhinash Jamwal’s Road to the Final: Jamwal’s semifinal bout saw him overpower Italy’s Gianluigi Malanga with a unanimous decision, highlighting his strategic prowess and setting the stage for his silver-medal finish.
- Bronze Medalists’ Semifinal Bouts: Mandengbam’s victory over Trowbridge was particularly noteworthy, given Trowbridge’s status as the 2024 World Boxing Cup Finals silver medallist. Rathore’s encounter with Australia’s Paris Olympian Yusuf Chothia tested his mettle, ultimately earning him a place on the podium.
Coaching and Support Staff
The team’s commendable performance can be attributed to the strategic guidance of head coach Dharmendra Singh Yadav and the support staff. Their expertise and mentorship were instrumental in preparing the boxers for the challenges of international competition.
Looking Ahead
The success at the World Boxing Cup serves as a significant morale booster for Indian boxing, especially following the challenges faced at the 2024 Paris Olympics. This achievement not only highlights the individual talents of the boxers but also reflects the effectiveness of the training programs and the growing support for boxing in India.
As the Indian boxing fraternity celebrates this accomplishment, the focus now shifts to sustaining and building upon this momentum. With upcoming tournaments on the horizon, the experience and confidence gained from the World Boxing Cup are expected to propel Indian boxers to greater heights on the global stage.
India’s performance at the 2025 World Boxing Cup in Brazil stands as a testament to the nation’s rising stature in the world of boxing. The six-medal haul, highlighted by Hitesh Gulia’s historic gold, underscores the dedication, skill, and resilience of Indian boxers.
As they continue to make their mark internationally, the future of Indian boxing appears brighter than ever.
