The Indian team’s campaign at the U19 Asian Boxing Championships 2025 in Bangkok began with a blend of promise and challenge, as the country’s young pugilists registered notable wins alongside a few hard-fought defeats in the opening days of competition.
Held in the vibrant Thai capital, the championship offers a critical platform for India’s rising stars to test themselves against Asia’s best, as they look to carry forward the nation’s proud boxing tradition.
The championship, which commenced on Friday, features a strong Indian contingent of 40 boxers 20 each in the U19 and U22 age categories reflecting a deliberate blend of experienced campaigners and emerging talents who have caught the eye on the domestic circuit. For many, this event marks a vital step toward bigger continental and world competitions, and the stakes are as high as the anticipation.
Suman Kumari Sets the Tone
India’s campaign opened with a confident performance from Suman Kumari, who showcased both skill and composure to overcome Meng-Sin Cheng of Chinese Taipei. In a bout that saw Suman controlling the pace and distance effectively, she earned a unanimous verdict from the judges, underlining the steady rise of Indian women boxers at the junior level.
Suman’s win provided the early momentum the team needed, but the rest of the day proved challenging. In the men’s 50kg category, Aakash Badhwar faced Uzbekistan’s Odilshoh Khalimov, a boxer known for his aggressive style and sharp counters. Despite Aakash’s spirited display and moments of clean punching, the bout ended 1:4 against him.
The challenges continued in the men’s 70kg division, where Sarthi Saini squared off against China’s Haosheng Zhang. Saini started well, landing a few crisp punches in the opening round, but Zhang’s experience showed as he took control in the later rounds, eventually winning the bout.
Closing the first day’s action for the Indian side, Lokesh took on Norbek Abdullaev of Uzbekistan in the men’s 80kg category. Lokesh put up a determined fight, but Abdullaev’s superior ring craft proved decisive, handing Lokesh a defeat and capping what turned out to be a mixed start for India.
Contrasting Victories Bring New Momentum
As the championship moved into its second main competition day, Indian hopes were revived through strong performances by Shivam and Mausam Suhag, who ensured the tricolor continued to make its presence felt in Bangkok. Competing in the men’s 55kg category, Shivam delivered a clinical and disciplined performance against Turkmenistan’s Bezirgen Annayev. From the opening bell, Shivam controlled the exchanges, using his reach and footwork to keep Annayev at bay. His dominance was reflected in a unanimous verdict, as all five judges ruled in his favour.
Later in the day, Mausam Suhag faced Kazakhstan’s Nurkabyluly Mukhit in what turned out to be a thrilling contest in the men’s 65kg category. Unlike Shivam’s relatively straightforward bout, Mausam had to dig deep, especially in the final round where the Kazakh boxer launched a strong comeback attempt. Displaying resilience and tactical maturity beyond his years, Mausam edged out a narrow 3:2 win, much to the delight of the Indian camp.
These victories were crucial not only for the athletes themselves but also for the team’s morale. They highlighted the depth of talent and the fighting spirit of India’s young boxers, showing that while not every contest might go India’s way, the determination to challenge the continent’s best remains unwavering.
Despite these encouraging wins, the Indian contingent also faced setbacks. Shubham, fighting in the men’s 60kg category, took on Kazakhstan’s Tortubek Adilet in a bout that proved to be a tough test. Shubham struggled to find his rhythm against Adilet’s pace and accuracy, ultimately losing 0:5 in a unanimous decision.
Such results underscore the competitive nature of the Asian Championships, where even talented and well-prepared boxers must contend with highly skilled opponents who bring experience and different tactical styles into the ring.
Looking ahead, the Indian contingent remains optimistic. Several more boxers are yet to begin their campaigns, both in the U19 and U22 categories, where India has fielded names who have impressed in recent national and international competitions. Notably, three Indian boxers will also be in action in the U22 age group later in the day, adding further anticipation.
A Broader Vision
The U19 and U22 Asian Boxing Championships are more than just tournaments; they are an important stepping stone for India’s next generation. They test young boxers against the best in Asia, helping them adapt to international styles and pressures. For many, it is also an opportunity to catch the eye of selectors and boxing fans back home.
As the championship progresses, Indian fans will look forward to more moments of brilliance from the country’s young pugilists. And while the opening days were marked by mixed results, they have also shown flashes of the promise and grit that have become synonymous with Indian boxing on the global stage.
The journey in Bangkok has just begun, and for India’s next crop of boxing talent, the biggest bouts and the biggest dreams still lie ahead.
