India made a powerful statement on the opening day of the BOXAM Elite International 2026, producing a series of commanding performances against elite opposition as the world-class tournament got underway in La Nucía.
With 214 boxers from 21 nations in action, the prestigious event is one of the strongest international boxing meets outside the World Championships and India wasted no time in stamping its authority.
World Boxing Cup Finals gold medallists Hitesh Gulia (70kg) and Preeti (54kg) led the charge, both delivering emphatic victories to headline a near-perfect day for the Indian contingent. Across both men’s and women’s divisions, Indian boxers showed superior ring control, discipline and tactical maturity as they powered through to the next round in multiple weight categories.
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Hitesh Gulia, one of India’s most reliable performers in the elite men’s division, was clinical in his 70kg bout against Netherlands’ Finn Bos. Using sharp footwork, controlled aggression and superior ring IQ, Hitesh dictated the pace from the opening bell and never allowed his opponent to settle. The judges returned a unanimous 5:0 verdict, underlining the Indian’s complete dominance.
Moments earlier, Preeti had delivered a similarly authoritative performance in the women’s 54kg category. The World Cup Finals champion outboxed Aliaskar Symbat of Kazakhstan, landing crisp combinations while maintaining excellent defensive structure to seal a comprehensive 5:0 win. Her ability to control range and tempo ensured her opponent was never allowed to build momentum.
These two victories provided the perfect launchpad for India’s campaign, setting the tone for what became a hugely productive opening day.
Women’s squad impresses across divisions
India’s women continued to impress with Prachi (57kg), Priya (60kg) and Kajal (65kg) all advancing to the next round with strong displays.
Prachi dismantled Spain’s Vanesa Morell Ramirez with relentless pressure and clean punching, cruising to a 5:0 victory. Priya followed that up with an equally commanding performance, outclassing Canada’s Alessia Mansuetto by the same margin in the 60kg bout. Kajal faced a stiffer test against Kazakhstan’s Assem Tanatar, but showed composure and tactical awareness to secure a 4:1 win, ensuring India maintained its unbeaten momentum in the women’s draw.
Collectively, the women’s team showcased excellent ring craft, combining attacking intent with disciplined defence — a hallmark of India’s growing maturity in elite international boxing.
Men’s team delivers depth and dominance
India’s men’s boxers were equally impressive, delivering a string of victories across multiple weight categories. In the 60kg division, Sachin dominated Spain’s Brandon Alejandro, securing a clean 5:0 victory through superior movement, timing and accuracy. Fellow 60kg boxer Mohammed Hussam Uddin also progressed, edging Denmark’s Matias Mehmet Buyukdemir 4:1 in a competitive encounter.
At 65kg, Abhinash Jamwal was in top form, overpowering Denmark’s Qalid Osman with a flawless 5:0 display. Aditya Pratap Yadav, however, saw his run end after a hard-fought bout against England’s Joe Turner, losing 1:4 despite a spirited effort.
The 70kg category saw India reinforce its dominance. Alongside Hitesh’s masterclass, Deepak delivered a composed performance to defeat Belgium’s Hornel Ayitevi 4:1, ensuring two Indian boxers moved forward in the weight class. Further victories came in the heavier divisions as Akash (75kg) defeated Ukraine’s Nikita Zakkharchenko 4:1, and Ankush (80kg) edged past fellow Indian Malsawmtluanga by the same margin in an all-Indian contest.
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India’s outstanding showing on Day 1 reflects the depth and quality of the squad selected for BOXAM Elite 2026. Against strong opposition from Europe, Central Asia and North America, Indian boxers demonstrated tactical awareness, physical conditioning and mental sharpness all key ingredients for success in a long international season.
With several top seeds advancing and confidence flowing through the camp, India now looks well placed to build on this flying start as the tournament progresses.
BOXAM Elite 2026 – Day 1 Results
Elite Women
- 54kg: Preeti bt. Aliaskar Symbat (KAZ) 5:0
- 57kg: Prachi bt. Vanesa Morell Ramirez (ESP) 5:0
- 60kg: Priya bt. Alessia Mansuetto (CAN) 5:0
- 65kg: Kajal bt. Assem Tanatar (KAZ) 4:1
Elite Men
- 60kg: Mohammed Hussam Uddin bt. Matias Mehmet Buyukdemir (DEN) 4:1
- 60kg: Sachin bt. Brandon Alejandro (ESP) 5:0
- 65kg: Aditya Pratap lost to Joe Turner (ENG) 1:4
- 65kg: Abhinash Jamwal bt. Qalid Osman (DEN) 5:0
- 70kg: Hitesh Gulia bt. Finn Bos (NED) 5:0
- 70kg: Deepak bt. Hornel Ayitevi (BEL) 4:1
- 75kg: Akash bt. Nikita Zakkharchenko (UKR) 4:1
- 80kg: Ankush bt. Malsawmtluanga (IND) 4:1
