Two-time World Champion Nikhat Zareen, Olympic bronze medallist Lovlina Borgohain, and former World Youth Champion Ankushita Boro are set to lead a stellar field of India’s top women boxers at the Elite Women’s Boxing Tournament, beginning June 27 at the Saroornagar Indoor Stadium in Telangana.
The five-day event, which runs till July 1, is being hosted by the Telangana Boxing Federation under the aegis of the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) and the Sports Authority of Telangana. The tournament serves not just as a high-stakes domestic competition but also as a direct qualifier for the elite national camp in Patiala with gold and silver medallists from each of the 10 weight categories earning spots.
A total of 15 teams will take part, including the top 12 finishers from the 8th Elite Women’s Nationals Railways, Haryana, All India Police, Services, Punjab, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Sikkim alongside host Telangana, the Combined SAI National Centre of Excellence, and a select TOPS Core & Development squad.
Joining Nikhat, Lovlina, and Ankushita in the ring will be a host of other standout names: World Championships bronze medallist Manisha Moun, Olympian Preeti Pawar, World Youth Champion Arundhati Choudhary, and more than 100 other elite and emerging boxers, all battling for a shot at the national spotlight.
“This Elite Women’s National Boxing Tournament is a crucial step in building the next generation of world-class Indian boxers,” said Mr. Ajay Singh, President of the Boxing Federation of India and Chairman of the Interim Committee. “It not only provides our elite athletes with regular competition but also opens doors for young talent to challenge, learn, and elevate their game. This structure strengthens our bench and ensures Indian boxing continues to make its mark globally.”
Tournament Structure and Regulations
- Eligibility: Boxers born between January 1, 1985 and December 31, 2006 are eligible.
- Weight Categories: Ten in total from light flyweight to heavyweight.
- Team Limit: Each unit may field up to 10 boxers, one per category.
- Bout Format: Three rounds of three minutes each, with one-minute rest intervals.
- Scoring System: The standard ten-point must system will be followed.
- Review System: Not applicable for this tournament.
The championships are being conducted in accordance with World Boxing’s Technical and Competition Rules, ensuring a high standard of officiating and consistency with international norms.
Building Momentum After Thailand
India’s women boxers returned with an encouraging six-medal haul one silver and five bronze from the Thailand Open 2025, a key preparatory event earlier this month. The BFI aims to use this tournament to consolidate the nation’s form ahead of bigger challenges, including the World Boxing Cup Finals and the Asian Championships later this year.
With several Olympians, world champions, and rising prospects in the mix, the Elite Women’s Tournament in Telangana promises fierce battles, tactical brilliance, and the emergence of new stars all under one roof.
For Indian women’s boxing, which has already shown its mettle on the world stage, this event is more than just domestic selection. It’s about setting the tone for global ambitions, starting with the national camp and ending with podium finishes at the highest level.
Let the gloves speak. The road to the national camp begins now.
