India’s campaign at the inaugural World Boxing Championships 2025 in Liverpool reached an important milestone on Thursday, with Pooja Rani and Jaismine Lamboria assuring themselves of semifinal spots.
Their victories added to Nupur’s earlier success, confirming three medals for India at the event so far. This marks a strong showing for the 20-member Indian contingent at a championship that represents the beginning of a new era for the sport, organized under the recently formed governing body World Boxing. Two-time Asian champion Pooja Rani relied on her experience in a testing women’s 80kg quarterfinal against Poland’s Emilia Koterska.
The bout began with the Polish boxer slightly ahead after the opening round, using speed and aggression to unsettle Pooja. However, the Indian veteran adjusted in the second round, stepping forward with sharper punches and improved movement to seize momentum. The third and final round was more cautious from both boxers, but Pooja’s ability to control the distance and land cleaner shots proved decisive. She eventually claimed a 3:2 split decision, booking her place in the semifinals and confirming at least a bronze medal.
Jaismine Lamboria dominates in 57kg
In contrast, Jaismine Lamboria had a smoother path to her medal. The World Boxing Cup Astana gold medallist faced Uzbekistan’s Mamajonova Khumorabonu, the reigning U-22 Asian champion, in the women’s 57kg quarterfinal. Jaismine imposed herself from the start, using relentless forward pressure to unsettle her opponent. Mamajonova was never able to find her rhythm, as Jaismine dictated the pace and kept landing with authority. The judges awarded the Indian a clear 5:0 unanimous decision, giving her a place in the semifinals and India’s second medal of the day.
For Jaismine, this marks another significant step in her steady rise on the international circuit, underlining her ability to perform under pressure at a world-level event.
Nupur secures India’s first medal
India’s medal count opened on September 10, when Nupur, another Astana gold medallist, advanced to the semifinals of the women’s 80+kg category. Facing Uzbekistan’s Oltinoy Sotimboeva, Nupur produced a measured display. She started strongly in the first round, but Sotimboeva fought back in the second to close the gap. The third round proved decisive, with Nupur stepping up her aggression while keeping her opponent at bay. Despite both boxers being penalized for excessive holding, the Indian prevailed 4:1 to assure India of its first medal in Liverpool.
Not all of India’s top names advanced. Two-time world champion Nikhat Zareen, competing in the women’s 51kg quarterfinal, faced a formidable rival in Turkey’s Buse Naz Cakiroglu, a two-time Olympic silver medallist. Nikhat fought with determination, but the judges gave the close decision to Cakiroglu, ending her run at the quarterfinal stage. In the men’s 65kg quarterfinal, Abhinash Jamwal, a World Boxing Cup silver medallist, came up against Guruli Lasha of Georgia, the Paris Olympics bronze medallist. Jamwal lost 1:4 despite a spirited effort, bowing out of the competition.
India’s campaign is far from over, with several boxers still eyeing semifinal spots. Minakshi (women’s 48kg) and Jadumani Singh Mandengbam (men’s 50kg) have both reached the quarterfinals and are just one win away from medals. Minakshi earned her spot with a commanding 5:0 win over China’s Wang Qiuping, while Jadumani beat England’s Reece Readshaw 5:0. Their upcoming bouts will decide whether India’s medal tally increases further. Earlier in the pre-quarterfinals, Jamwal had outclassed Piter Ynoa Fernando de Jesus of the Dominican Republic, while Jugnoo (men’s 85kg) exited after a loss to Scotland’s Robert William McNulty.
The World Boxing Championships 2025 in Liverpool holds added importance as it is the first edition under World Boxing, following the reorganization of the sport’s international governance. Medals here not only carry competitive value but also symbolic weight in establishing national standings in the new order. For India, confirming three medals through Nupur, Pooja Rani, and Jaismine Lamboria is a strong statement. It reflects the depth of the women’s squad, with boxers across weight categories demonstrating the ability to reach the last four on the world stage.
Balancing experience and youth
The composition of India’s semifinalists shows a balance between seasoned experience and emerging talent. Pooja Rani, with her long history of international medals, continues to deliver when it matters. Nupur, relatively new to the senior international scene, has quickly transitioned her Astana Cup form into a world-level medal. Meanwhile, Jaismine Lamboria represents the future her energy and dominance pointing towards long-term potential for Indian boxing. At the same time, the exits of Nikhat Zareen and Abhinash Jamwal serve as reminders of the high standards and fine margins in world boxing. Facing Olympic medallists early in the knockout rounds remains a challenge, but the experience adds to the growth of the squad.
With three medals already confirmed, India’s campaign at the World Boxing Championships 2025 is shaping into a promising outing. Nupur, Pooja Rani, and Jaismine Lamboria have guaranteed podium finishes, while Meenakshi and Jadumani Singh still have the opportunity to add to the tally.
Though big names like Nikhat Zareen missed out on medals this time, the performance of India’s boxers across different weight classes reflects both depth and competitiveness. As the semifinals approach, the focus will now be on whether India can convert its guaranteed medals into gold and further consolidate its standing on the global stage.
