The Boxing Federation of India (BFI) has announced the departure of a 23-member Indian boxing contingent to Manama, Bahrain, for the 3rd Asian Youth Games 2025, scheduled from October 23 to 30.
The young squad, comprising 14 weight categories seven each for boys and girls in the U-17 age group is set to take on Asia’s best, carrying forward India’s growing reputation as a powerhouse in youth boxing.
The team’s preparation has been rigorous and focused. The boxers underwent a month-long high-intensity training camp at NS NIS Patiala from September 23 to October 20, under the expert guidance of Head Coaches Vinod Kumar (Boys U-17) and Jitender Raj Singh (Girls U-17). The camp was supported by a strong backroom staff comprising six assistant coaches, two physiotherapists, and one team doctor ensuring the young athletes received comprehensive technical and medical support.
The training block emphasized advanced technical refinement, tactical awareness, and physical conditioning, preparing the boxers for the fast-paced demands of international youth competition.
The squad was selected based on performances at the 6th U-17 Junior Boys & Girls National Boxing Championships 2025, where gold medalists earned direct selection to the national team, while silver medalists were named as reserves. The selection process was designed to ensure that India’s top-performing young athletes already tested under competitive pressure form the core of the contingent.
Several members of this team also featured at the Asian U-17 Championships held in July 2025, where India delivered an outstanding performance, clinching 43 medals to finish second overall in the continental standings. That campaign not only highlighted the depth of India’s youth system but also established a confident foundation heading into the Asian Youth Games.
Expressing confidence in the team’s readiness, Ajay Singh, President of the Boxing Federation of India, said:
“Our young boxers have shown tremendous progress over the past few months, proving that they can stand shoulder to shoulder with the best in Asia. This exposure at the Asian Youth Games will be vital in shaping them into future medal winners. They’ve worked hard through the camp, and we believe they’re ready to deliver strong performances in Bahrain and continue India’s upward trajectory in youth boxing.”
The President’s remarks reflect BFI’s larger vision not just for medals, but for long-term athlete development, with structured exposure at age-group international competitions serving as stepping stones toward senior elite success.
Rising Stars to Watch
The Indian squad features several standout names who have already made their mark in youth competitions. Among them are Dhruv Kharb, Udham Singh Raghav, Khushi Chand, Ahaana Sharma, and Chandrika Bhoreshi Pujari — all gold medalists from the national championships and consistent performers on the Asian circuit.
These young pugilists symbolize India’s next generation of boxing excellence athletes who combine raw power with growing tactical maturity. Their performances in Bahrain will be closely watched, as they represent the bridge between India’s grassroots programs and its international ambitions.
The boxing events at the Asian Youth Games 2025 will be staged at Exhibition World Bahrain, Hall 9, and will feature three-round bouts conducted in a single-elimination format. Each bout will test the boxers’ stamina, adaptability, and composure under pressure.
The competition will conclude with medal ceremonies on October 30, followed by the Closing Ceremony on October 31, marking the end of what promises to be a pivotal continental event for emerging athletes across Asia.
A Platform for the Future
India’s youth boxing structure has shown remarkable consistency over the past few years, with its athletes now regularly challenging and defeating traditional Asian powerhouses such as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Thailand. The Bahrain campaign represents more than just another tournament; it’s an opportunity for India’s U-17 boxers to gain invaluable exposure, adapt to varying fighting styles, and prepare for the higher demands of world-level competition.
As Team India takes flight to Manama, the expectations are realistic but ambitious: strong performances, fighting spirit, and valuable experience that will feed into the next phase of their sporting journey.
With a blend of promising talent, disciplined preparation, and growing international confidence, India’s young boxers are poised to make their mark in Bahrain, continuing the nation’s remarkable rise in the world of youth boxing.
