India’s young boxers delivered a landmark performance at the 3rd Asian Youth Games 2025, producing their best-ever medal tally in the sport at the continental event.
With four golds, two silvers, and one bronze, the Indian contingent stamped their authority in Manama, Bahrain, and announced the arrival of a new generation of boxing talent. It was a golden day that began with precision and ended in history. Khushi Chand (46kg) set the tone early in the morning with a disciplined display of skill and composure, outpunching China’s Luo Jinxiu in a commanding 4:1 split decision. Using her superior footwork and controlled aggression, Khushi kept her opponent at bay throughout the bout, opening India’s gold account in style.
Moments later, Ahaana Sharma (50kg) brought the Indian corner to its feet with a sensational first-round finish. Displaying a perfect blend of timing and power, she forced a Referee Stopped Contest (RSC) in the very first round against Ma Jong Hyang of the People’s Republic of Korea. Ahaana’s victory was a statement of intent a display of dominance rarely seen at the youth level and underlined India’s growing depth in women’s boxing.
Completing India’s hat-trick of morning golds was Chandrika Bhoreshi Pujari (54kg), who delivered a technically perfect performance against Uzbekistan’s Muhammadova Kumriniso. The Indian controlled all three rounds, winning by unanimous 5:0 decision, her punches clean and precise, her movement sharp and assured. Chandrika’s calm composure under pressure reflected the maturity that has become a hallmark of India’s rising female pugilists. The golden momentum carried into the evening session, where Anshika (+80kg) joined the winners’ list with a superb performance in the heavyweight category.
Dominating from the opening bell, Anshika overpowered her opponent with relentless pressure and quick combinations to secure India’s fourth gold medal of the campaign an achievement that capped off one of India’s finest days in youth boxing history.
Meanwhile, Harnoor Kaur (66kg) and Lanchenba Singh Moibungkhongbam (50kg) both fought valiantly but had to settle for silver medals. Harnoor, despite showing immense heart and control in the early exchanges, was edged out by China’s Qiu Xinyi in a tactical bout decided by slim margins. Lanchenba Singh, on the other hand, gave everything in a fierce contest against Kazakhstan’s Nurmakhan Zhumagali but ultimately went down in a close decision to take home silver. Earlier, Anant Deshmukh (66kg) ensured India’s medal count continued to rise when he claimed a bronze medal after a spirited semifinal performance.
His grit and adaptability through the earlier rounds were key in India maintaining their position among the top boxing nations in the tournament.
In total, India ended with seven medals (4 gold, 2 silver, 1 bronze) their best-ever performance in youth boxing at the Asian level. The results are not only a testament to the boxers’ talent but also to the structured preparation undertaken by the Boxing Federation of India (BFI). The national youth training camps at NS NIS Patiala played a vital role in preparing the contingent, with Head Coaches Vinod Kumar (boys) and Jitender Raj Singh (girls) overseeing the intensive build-up in the months leading to the Games. The success in Bahrain also highlights the growing influence of India’s women in the ring.
With Khushi, Ahaana, Chandrika, Harnoor, and Anshika all medalling, the Indian girls’ contingent delivered one of the most complete team performances in recent youth boxing memory. Their precision, discipline, and confidence against traditionally strong nations such as China, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan underscored the remarkable progress of India’s grassroots boxing program. The Asian Youth Games have long been a testing ground for emerging champions, and this year’s edition confirmed that India’s future in boxing is bright.
With these young athletes now transitioning toward the senior setup, the performances in Manama serve as a reminder that India’s next Olympic cycle could witness several of these names making global headlines. As the tricolour soared above the podium multiple times in Bahrain, the celebrations in the Indian camp were filled with pride and promise. The 2025 edition will be remembered not just for the medals but for the statement it made that India’s youth boxing ecosystem is thriving, its athletes fearless, and its ambitions global.
Medal Summary, Boxing, 3rd Asian Youth Games 2025 (Bahrain):
Gold Khushi Chand – Girls 46kg
Gold Ahaana Sharma – Girls 50kg
Gold Chandrika Bhoreshi Pujari – Girls 54kg
Gold Anshika – Girls +80kg
Silver L. Moibungkhongbam – Boys 50kg
Silver Harnoor Kaur – Girls 66kg
Bronze Anant Deshmukh – Boys 66kg
Final Medal Tally in Boxing: 4 Gold 🥇 | 2 Silver 🥈 | 1 Bronze 🥉
A golden day for Indian boxing and a glimpse of a powerful new era ahead.
