India’s youth boxing contingent opened its campaign at the World Boxing Futures Cup 2026 with an impressive set of performances as Joyshree Devi Chirom, Ambekar Meetei Lairenlakpam and Sahil Duhan registered victories on the opening day of the tournament in Bangkok, Thailand.
The competition, which runs from March 8 to 15, has brought together some of the most promising young boxing talents from across the globe. For the Indian team, the event serves as a crucial developmental platform as they compete in the Youth Olympic weight categories, gaining valuable international exposure ahead of future global competitions.
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Among the standout performers for India on the opening day was Joyshree Devi Chirom, who delivered a commanding performance in the women’s 54kg division. The Indian boxer secured a Referee Stopped Contest (RSC) victory in the second round against her opponent from Tajikistan. From the opening bell, Joyshree displayed sharp movement and aggressive attacking combinations, quickly establishing control of the bout.
Her relentless pressure forced the referee to halt the contest in the second round, awarding her a convincing victory. The dominant win not only underlined her technical ability but also set the tone for India’s campaign in the tournament.
Ambekar impresses in men’s 50kg division
In the men’s competition, Ambekar Meetei Lairenlakpam made a confident start in the 50kg weight category.
Facing an opponent from the Philippines, Ambekar produced a composed and disciplined performance to secure a 5–0 unanimous decision victory. Throughout the bout, the Indian boxer controlled the tempo with accurate punches and effective defensive movement. His ability to maintain composure under pressure ensured he won each round on the judges’ scorecards, earning a clean sweep decision and progressing further in the competition.
Sahil Duhan adds third win for India
India’s strong start continued with Sahil Duhan delivering another impressive performance in the 60kg category. Sahil faced a tough opponent from China but displayed excellent ring awareness and tactical control throughout the bout. He dominated the exchanges with precise combinations and solid defensive positioning, ultimately earning a 5–0 unanimous decision victory.
The convincing win ensured that India ended the opening day with three victories from three bouts, highlighting the promising form of the youth squad.
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The World Boxing Futures Cup is widely regarded as one of the key developmental events in the international boxing calendar. Designed to provide young athletes with high-level competition, the tournament serves as a stepping stone for future participation in major global events.
For the Indian boxers, competing in the Youth Olympic weight categories adds additional significance to the event. It provides an opportunity to test their skills against international opponents while gaining valuable experience in preparation for upcoming youth competitions, including qualification events for the Youth Olympic Games.
The tournament in Bangkok has attracted participants from multiple nations, making it a highly competitive platform for emerging boxing talents.
India’s youth boxing programme has enjoyed a surge in success in recent years, with young athletes delivering strong performances in international tournaments. One of the most notable achievements came at the 3rd Asian Youth Games in Bahrain, where Indian boxers produced a historic performance by winning seven medals. The tally included four gold medals, two silver medals and one bronze, marking the country’s best-ever performance in youth boxing at the continental level.
Such results have strengthened India’s reputation as a rising force in youth boxing, and tournaments like the Futures Cup play an important role in maintaining that momentum.
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The victories by Joyshree, Ambekar and Sahil provide an encouraging start for the Indian team as the competition progresses through the preliminary rounds.
A strong opening day can often be crucial in multi-day tournaments, helping athletes build confidence while settling into the rhythm of international competition. For the coaching staff and selectors, the performances also offer valuable insights into the readiness of these young athletes as they continue their development in the sport.
With the tournament continuing until March 15, the Indian contingent will aim to carry forward the positive momentum generated on the opening day. As the preliminary rounds progress and the competition intensifies, the young boxers will face tougher opponents from other boxing nations.
However, the early results have already shown that India’s youth squad possesses the talent and determination to compete strongly on the global stage. If the opening performances are any indication, the Indian team will be eager to convert this promising start into a deeper run in the tournament and further strengthen the country’s growing reputation in international youth boxing.
