With momentum on their side after a promising performance in the Brazil leg, the Indian boxing contingent now sets its sights on the next major challenge the World Boxing Cup Astana 2025, to be held in Kazakhstan from June 30 to July 6.
This continental leg of the global World Boxing calendar will see over 400 boxers from 31 nations compete for glory and critical ranking points at the Zhaksylyk Ushkempirov Martial Art Palace, a venue synonymous with elite-level combat sports.
India arrives with a full-strength team across all 20 weight categories (10 men, 10 women), a strategic move by the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) that signals its intent to assert itself on the global stage ahead of the 2026 Asian Games and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
A Stage of Scale and Significance
The Astana leg is not just another stop on the tour it’s a pivotal testing ground. With powerhouses like Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Japan, the United States, and England in the mix, this edition offers one of the strongest fields of the year so far. India will face stiff competition from Olympic medallists, World Cup champions, and continental giants all fighting not just for medals, but also for critical ranking points in the World Boxing Cup’s cumulative system.
The format, introduced to bring structure and rhythm to Olympic-style boxing, allows elite athletes to compete across multiple stages throughout the calendar year. Their performances collectively contribute to a points table, culminating in a final showdown featuring stage winners and top-ranked boxers for the World Boxing Cup trophy. For India, consistent participation and competitive results are essential not only to climb the rankings but to signal its growing depth in the sport.
Rising Stakes, Familiar Faces
The Indian team traveling to Astana is a mix of experienced contenders and young prospects. Leading the men’s charge are names like Hitesh (70kg) and Narender (90+kg), while the women’s team features regulars such as Jaismine (57kg) and Pooja Rani (80kg), alongside emerging names like Sanamacha Chanu (70kg) and Muskan (75kg).
The squad selection reflects a clear strategy develop competition-ready bench strength while building experience for those expected to peak around 2026 and 2028. Importantly, with the Elite Women’s National Championships in Hyderabad taking place concurrently, attention is also split between evaluating India’s domestic circuit and its international impact.
Astana will also provide clarity on where India’s boxers stand against their continental rivals. In the absence of direct Olympic qualification stakes, the psychological impact of podium finishes, tactical learnings, and real-time adjustments become the key takeaways. With back-to-back events like the Asian Championships, World Championships, and Paris Olympic qualifiers still fresh in memory, India’s campaign in Kazakhstan acts as both an audit and an opportunity.
Men’s Squad: Weight, Depth, and Expectations
In the men’s lineup, India covers all bases from the explosive 50kg division featuring Jadumani Singh, to the heavy-hitting presence of Vishal (90kg) and Narender (90+kg). The 60–75kg bracket, often the most competitive, includes a strong mix with Sachin, Abhinash Jamwal, Hitesh, and Nikhil Dubey, each bringing recent domestic or international experience.
Ayush Shetty’s recent surge in the World Tour has shown the value of sustained exposure at this level. The federation is banking on similar trajectories for boxers like Lakshya Chahar (80kg) and Jugnoo (85kg) who have been building steadily within the system.
Women’s Squad: Blending Experience with Ambition
The women’s team is packed with promise. Minakshi (48kg) and Anamika (51kg) will aim to navigate through deeply competitive fields, while Sakshi (54kg) and Sanju (60kg) provide additional edge in the lighter divisions.
All eyes will be on Jaismine (57kg), whose ring movement, adaptability, and tournament temperament make her one of the brightest hopes for India in this format. In the middle and higher weight classes, Neeraj Phogat (65kg), Sanamacha Chanu (70kg), and Muskan (75kg) will face physical duels against boxers from Europe and Central Asia precisely the kind of tests needed before larger multi-sport events.
In the heavyweight categories, Pooja Rani (80kg) and Nupur (80+kg) carry the responsibility of pushing India’s medal tally higher. Both have the power and presence to control their bouts, but will need to navigate through strategically unpredictable draws.
Building Beyond the Ring
India’s boxing growth over the last decade has been marked by its improved grassroots scouting, better coaching support, and a stronger domestic calendar. Events like the World Boxing Cup allow these improvements to be tested in a rigorous, result-driven setting. While medals remain the tangible reward, the intangible benefits sharper ring craft, exposure to international judging styles, and the confidence of facing top-tier opponents are equally critical.
The BFI’s decision to field full squads regularly is also a response to the need for sustainable depth. India no longer depends on two or three marquee names; instead, it has begun cultivating a pipeline that sees juniors transition seamlessly to elite level. The results in Brazil hinted at this evolution. Astana will offer a more complete view.
Astana Up Next. Momentum On Our Side. 🇮🇳
Following a strong showing in Brazil, Team India locked, loaded, and ready heads to Kazakhstan for the World Boxing Cup: Astana 2025 from June 30 to July 7, prepared to build, challenge, and rise higher.
Indian Squad for World Boxing Cup – Kazakhstan (June 28 – July 7):
Men’s Squad
- 50kg – Jadumani Singh
- 55kg – Manish Rathore
- 60kg – Sachin
- 65kg – Abhinash Jamwal
- 70kg – Hitesh
- 75kg – Nikhil Dubey
- 80kg – Lakshya Chahar
- 85kg – Jugnoo
- 90kg – Vishal
- 90+kg – Narender
Women’s Squad
- 48kg – Minakshi
- 51kg – Anamika
- 54kg – Sakshi
- 57kg – Jaismine
- 60kg – Sanju
- 65kg – Neeraj Phogat
- 70kg – Sanamacha Chanu
- 75kg – Muskan
- 80kg – Pooja Rani
- 80+kg – Nupur
With seasoned names and fresh faces alike, India enters Astana with purpose. The real test begins in the ring, but the foundation has already been laid.
