It is never easy to script history and add your name to the list of firsts, but that’s exactly what India’s U19 boxing stars achieved, proving themselves in the first-ever U19 World Boxing Championship.
These young athletes brought home a staggering 17 medals—4 gold, 8 silver, and 5 bronze (India finished at second position in medal table) out of the 19-member contingent sent. This inaugural championship showcased the potential of India’s next generation of boxing talent, proving they have the skill, resilience, and grit to stand toe-to-toe with the world’s best and claim their place on the global stage.
Noteworthy to add to the context of our readers that all the 10 female boxers fought dominantly and reached the finals in all the weight categories.
Though a lot of national federations are yet to adopt the World Boxing governing body resulting in fewer athletes from certain nations participating in this event, our pugilists were able to stamp their authority over the opponents.
Four Indian Boxers Shine with Historic Gold Medal Wins
On the penultimate day of the event, Krisha Verma (75kg) achieved the extraordinary feat of being the first ever Indian U19 champion lifting our spirits when all the other boxers were not able to cross the last hurdle in the finals. Completely thrashing her opponent, Lerika Simon (GER), with a unanimous decision, Krisha proved her mettle and skill. Her semi-final bout against Nikah Perez (NZL) was a nervy match but Krisha managed to take the win in a 3-2 split decision.
Consolidating all the momentum and under the pressure concentration, her final bout was a cake walk.
Joining the golden list on the closing day of the event were Hemant Sangwan (90kg), Parthavi Grewal (65kg) and Vanshika Goswami (80+kg). Parthavi was league apart from her opponents, riding high on the streak of wins by unanimous decision.
Thumping her dominance over Annamaria (ITA) in QF, Indianna (AUS) in SF and Aaliyah (NED) in finals, she deservedly took the coveted prize home. Vanshika who had an unique draw of just two boxers in the fray, played the finals directly.
Seizing the opportunity she had, Vanshika cemented her supremacy over Victoria Gatt (GER). Her opponent had no answers to the punches landed by Vanshika and eventually the referee had to stop the match with 1 minute still to go.
These young women boxers, following the path of Nikhat Zareen and Nitu Ghangas, are on the right track, notching up important wins in the youth and amateur boxing competitions.
In the men’s side, Hemant Sangwan (90kg) became the first ever Indian men to win the U19 championship. He sailed through his QF match against Aharon (ITA) and SF match against Park (KOR) with an unanimous decision. Hemant had to work a little hard in the finals against Rishon (USA) but picked up the win in 4-1 split decision, becoming the only male boxer to win the gold medal in this tournament.
So close yet so far, the silver medalists from the tournament
The journey and resolve of our boxers cannot be reduced with the silver medals they have won. The silver medals are still a testament to the great fight they put up throughout the tournament.
Nisha (51kg), Supriya Devi Thokchom (54kg), Kritika Wasan (80kg), Chanchal Chaudhary (48kg), Anjali Singh (57kg), Vini (60kg), Akansha Phalaswal (70kg), Rahul Kundu (75kg) ended their run with a silver.
An appreciable effort from the bronze medalists
The young boxers Rishi Singh (50kg), Krrish Pal (55kg), Sumit (70kg), Aryan (85kg), Lakshay Rathi (90+kg) fell short in their semi-finals bout and had to content themselves with the bronze medal. It is an appreciable effort from these youngsters, making sure they put in complete dedication in this tournament.
Each victory and every setback have only sharpened their resolve, showcasing the true spirit of sportsmanship and perseverance. As they return home adorned with their hard-earned medals, they not only bring pride to their country but also inspire a new generation of fighters to dream big and aim higher.
