India’s young boxing talent continued its impressive run at the 2025 U19 and U22 Asian Boxing Championships in Bangkok, Thailand, with seven women boxers in the U19 category assuring themselves of medals after storming into the semifinals on Tuesday.
In a day that showcased grit, power, and composure, India’s contingent dominated the quarterfinals across multiple weight categories. Four boxers advanced during the morning session, and three more followed suit in the evening, ensuring that India will have at least seven podium finishes in the women’s U19 division.
Morning Momentum: Four Into the Semis
The day began brightly for India, with Yakshika (51kg) opening the floodgates with a spirited performance against Mukhtasar Alieva of Uzbekistan. In a closely fought bout, Yakshika edged through via a 3:2 split decision, her movement and counter-punching just enough to convince the judges.
Next up, Nisha (54kg) delivered one of the most dominant performances of the day. Facing Milana Shikhshabekova of Kyrgyzstan, Nisha came out swinging and landed a barrage of clean punches that forced the referee to stop the contest (RSC) in her favour, highlighting her explosive power and ring awareness.
In the 57kg category, Muskan kept the momentum going with a commanding unanimous decision win over Uzbekistan’s Robiya Ravshanova. Muskan showcased superior footwork and consistent jabs to outclass her opponent across all three rounds.
Rounding off the morning session, Vini (60kg) needed just one round to book her place in the semifinals. Facing Adelia Asylbek Kyzy of Kyrgyzstan, Vini unleashed a relentless offensive that saw the referee intervene and stop the bout (RSC), making it India’s second stoppage win of the session.
Evening Excellence: Three More Step Up
India’s rich vein of form continued into the evening session, where three more boxers clinched their semifinal berths. Nisha (65kg) not to be confused with the 54kg boxer of the same name started strong against Yu-En Li of Chinese Taipei. Her combination of aggression and precision punches earned her a unanimous decision, making it two wins in a day for boxers named Nisha.
The most dominant performance of the session came from Akansha Phalaswal (70kg), who overwhelmed Enkhgerel Gerelmunkh of Mongolia within the opening round. Her quick footwork and early flurry left the referee with no option but to call the contest in Akansha’s favour another RSC victory for India.
The final success of the day came from Aarti Kumari (75kg), who faced a formidable opponent in Zarina Tolybai of Kazakhstan. Aarti used her reach advantage effectively, landing cleaner shots to take a 4:1 split decision win and seal India’s seventh semifinal spot.
One Miss, But Seven Medal Guarantees
The only Indian setback of the day came in the 48kg category, where Suman Kumari was edged out in a narrow 3:2 loss against Maftuna Musurmonova of Uzbekistan. It was a cagey affair, with both boxers exchanging punches evenly. But despite Suman’s spirited effort, the judges leaned slightly in favour of her Uzbek opponent.
While the loss was disappointing, it did little to overshadow India’s exceptional overall performance, especially considering that seven out of eight boxers advanced in one of the most competitive continental tournaments for youth.
Held in Bangkok, the U19 and U22 Asian Boxing Championships 2025 have become a key stepping stone for future Olympians and World Championship contenders. With 20 Indian boxers in each age category, the focus has been on giving young athletes exposure to top-level Asian competition. India has already assured itself of over a dozen medals in the U22 division, and now, with the U19 women rising to the occasion, the campaign promises to be one of the most successful in the country’s junior boxing history.
All seven semifinalists from Tuesday’s action will return to the ring later this week to compete for a place in the finals. With confidence running high and momentum on their side, India will be eyeing a big medal haul in the U19 women’s category.
The coaching staff, led by the Boxing Federation of India (BFI), has stressed on ring IQ and aggressive but calculated tactics elements that were clearly on display throughout Tuesday’s contests. The likes of Yakshika, Nisha, Muskan, Vini, Akansha, Aarti, and the second Nisha have shown that they are ready to take on Asia’s best.
Summary of Indian U19 Women’s Results (Aug 5):
- 51kg – Yakshika def. Mukhtasar Alieva (Uzbekistan) – 3:2 SD
- 54kg – Nisha def. Milana Shikhshabekova (Kyrgyzstan) – RSC
- 57kg – Muskan def. Robiya Ravshanova (Uzbekistan) – Unanimous
- 60kg – Vini def. Adelia Asylbek Kyzy (Kyrgyzstan) – RSC Round 1
- 65kg – Nisha def. Yu-En Li (Chinese Taipei) – Unanimous
- 70kg – Akansha Phalaswal def. Enkhgerel Gerelmunkh (Mongolia) – RSC Round 1
- 75kg – Aarti Kumari def. Zarina Tolybai (Kazakhstan) – 4:1 SD
- 48kg – Suman Kumari lost to Maftuna Musurmonova (Uzbekistan) – 2:3 SD
With semifinals and finals still to come, India’s young women boxers have made it clear they are not just participating in Bangkok, they’re here to conquer.
