India’s campaign at the World Boxing Cup Astana 2025 gathered momentum on Day 3 as two of its finest pugilists, Minakshi and Pooja Rani, punched their way into the semifinals, assuring the country of at least two medals.
Their commanding performances not only displayed individual excellence but also lifted the collective morale of the Indian contingent midway through the competition.
Minakshi Cruises Into Semis with 5-0 Masterclass
Fighting in the 48kg light flyweight category, Minakshi delivered a clinical performance to ease past Guo Yi-Xuan of Chinese Taipei with a unanimous 5:0 verdict. Right from the opening bell, Minakshi established control with her swift footwork, sharp counters, and crisp combinations. Her dominance across all three rounds left no room for doubt among the judges, as she sealed her place in the semifinals and confirmed at least a bronze medal for India.
This result is a continuation of Minakshi’s rise in the international boxing circuit, where she has consistently displayed poise, adaptability, and technical finesse. Her ability to outmaneuver and outscore opponents without getting drawn into scrappy exchanges marks her as a bright prospect in India’s lightest Olympic category.
Pooja Rani Battles to a Gritty 4-1 Win Over Local Favourite
Later in the evening, Pooja Rani, competing in the 80kg division, took on Kazakhstan’s Gulsaya Yerzhan in a high-stakes quarterfinal. Facing a local favourite in front of a vocal home crowd, the Indian veteran relied on her experience and composure to grind out a 4:1 split decision victory.
It wasn’t all smooth sailing Yerzhan put on a spirited performance, especially in the second round, using aggressive forward movement and body shots to pressure the Indian. But Pooja absorbed the early pressure, adjusted her range, and landed the cleaner punches in the final round, swaying the judges in her favour.
For Pooja, a multiple-time Asian medallist and one of India’s most seasoned campaigners, this semifinal berth is a strong reminder of her enduring class. Her transition to the 80kg category has been strategic, and performances like these will build confidence as she eyes a bigger prize at the New Delhi leg of the World Boxing Cup later this year.
Anamika Advances to Quarterfinals in 51kg
While the spotlight was rightly on the medal guarantees, Anamika (51kg) added to India’s success story earlier in the day with a composed display against Turkey’s Aysen Taskin. The Indian boxer, known for her tactical style and movement, controlled the bout effectively, earning a unanimous nod from the judges to move into the quarterfinals.
Anamika’s progression means India now has three women boxers still in contention as the tournament approaches its decisive stages. Her next match will be critical not just for medal hopes but for boosting India’s overall performance tally in Astana.
Jadumani Singh Falls Short in a Close Battle
On the men’s side, Jadumani Singh faced a tough outing against Jay Bryan Baricuatro of the Philippines in a tightly contested quarterfinal bout. While Jadumani started aggressively and landed some clean shots, the Filipino gradually worked his way back into the contest with superior timing and counters.
In the end, the decision went narrowly in favour of Baricuatro, ending Jadumani’s campaign in Astana. Although disappointed, the Indian fighter showed plenty of heart and potential, and his performance will serve as valuable experience ahead of upcoming international competitions.
India’s Medal Tally Begins to Build
With Minakshi and Pooja Rani’s semifinal qualifications, India has officially opened its medal account at the Astana leg of the World Boxing Cup. Both boxers have assured themselves of at least a bronze, with two more wins potentially turning those into gold.
The tournament structure, which links to the final stage in New Delhi later this year, means each bout carries added significance. Performance in Astana not only impacts current standings but also plays a role in seeding and preparations for the year-end finale on home soil.
With several Indian boxers still alive in the draw, Day 4 promises more action and more medal opportunities. The women’s squad, in particular, looks in strong form showcasing a blend of experience and emerging talent across weight classes. With Anamika now joining Minakshi and Pooja in the quarterfinals or beyond, Indian hopes rest heavily on the shoulders of its women fighters.
Meanwhile, the men’s team, though facing a setback with Jadumani’s exit, still has names in the fray with the potential to mount a comeback into medal contention.
A Promising Start in Astana
The World Boxing Cup is more than just a regular tournament it’s a global platform where the best boxers from each continent gather to test their mettle. For Indian boxing, this leg in Kazakhstan is a crucial step in the build-up to major tournaments in 2026 and the LA 2028 Olympic cycle.
By securing two medals already and showing promise in several other categories, India has sent out a clear message: its boxers are not here to just participate they are here to win.
As the tournament moves into its final rounds, the focus will be on sustaining this momentum, converting semifinal spots into finals, and perhaps finishing the Astana leg with golds in hand before the caravan rolls into New Delhi.
India at the World Boxing Cup Astana 2025 (After Day 3):
🥉 Minakshi (48kg) – Qualified for Semifinal
🥉 Pooja Rani (80kg) – Qualified for Semifinal
Anamika (51kg) – Qualified for Quarterfinal
Jadumani Singh – Lost in Quarterfinal
Stay tuned for more updates as the Indian team continues to fight for glory in Astana.
