Minakshi Hooda, Preeti Pawar, Priya Ghanghas and Arundhati Choudhary win gold as India top Asian boxing with 10 medals, Jaismine Lamboria and Alfiya Pathan take silver
Honestly, I still can’t shake off the adrenaline I felt when I watched the final bouts of the Asian Boxing Championships on TV. It was like sitting in a local tea stall in Delhi, cheering loudly while the crowd around me shouted “Jai Hind!” every time an Indian boxer stepped into the ring. The atmosphere was electric, and the pride I felt for Minakshi Hooda, Preeti Pawar and the rest of the team was simply overwhelming.
Reigning world champion Minakshi Hooda and Preeti Pawar led India’s gold rush on Thursday, with two other compatriots also clinching titles to be crowned Asian boxing champions. Watching Minakshi’s 5‑0 victory over Mongolia’s Nomundari Enkh‑Amgalan, I remembered my younger brother trying to mimic those quick jabs during our school’s recess. That feeling of seeing a fellow Indian dominate on an international stage – it was something else.
The Winners’ Circle
Joining Minakshi Hooda (48kg) and Asian Games bronze medallist Preeti Pawar (54kg) on the top step of the podium were Priya Ghanghas (60kg) and World Boxing Cup gold medallist Arundhati Choudhary (70kg). Each of their victories had its own story, and I found myself replaying them over and over.
Minakshi Hooda started the day with a bang. Her bout was over before the intermission, and she walked out with a clean 5‑0 score. The confidence in her eyes reminded me of the first time I saw my neighbour’s daughter, who practices karate, win her first belt – pure joy mixed with a dash of disbelief.
Preeti Pawar continued her fine form with another dominant performance, outpunching three‑time world champion and Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist Huang Hsiao‑wen of Chinese Taipei. The verdict was unanimous 5‑0, and I could hear the commentator’s voice crack a little with excitement. It felt like watching a cricket match where the batsman hits a six on the very first ball – you just can’t help but cheer louder.
Priya Ghanghas then added to India’s haul with a clinical 3‑0 victory over North Korea’s Won Un‑gyong. I remembered the first time I cooked a perfect dosa – the simplicity of the move, the precision, the satisfaction. That’s how I felt watching Priya’s flawless technique.
Arundhati Choudhary impressed everyone with a 4‑1 win against Kazakhstan’s Bakyt Seidish. Her composure reminded me of my aunt’s steadiness while she clears the market stalls every Saturday, never flustered even when the crowd gets noisy.
Silver Linings and Hard‑Fought Lessons
India’s biggest setback came in the 57kg final, where reigning world champion Jaismine Lamboria suffered a 0‑5 defeat to Thailand’s two‑time world championships silver medallist Punrawee Ruenros, formerly known as Jutamas Jitpong. It was a tough loss to watch, but I reminded myself that even the best cricketers get out for a duck now and then. Jaismine fought with heart, and that will count for something later.
Alfiya Pathan (80+kg) also secured a silver after a 0‑5 loss to Kazakhstan’s Dina Islambekova. It was Alfiya’s only bout of the Championships, and despite the result she walked away with a medal and a ticket to the upcoming Commonwealth and Asian Games – a big win in itself.
By reaching the finals, the Indian boxers also booked their places at the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games later this year, in accordance with the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) selection policy. The policy feels kind of like our school’s merit list – once you hit a certain mark, the doors open.
Poll For You
How likely is it that Indian women boxers will win multiple gold medals at the upcoming Commonwealth Games?
- AVery likely
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- BSomewhat likely
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- CUnlikely
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- DNot at all likely
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Historic Campaign For India, But Just A Formality
The Indian women’s team emerged as the most successful contingent, finishing on top with an impressive tally of 10 medals — four gold, two silver and four bronze. The sheer number reminded me of the traffic jam on a Delhi morning – you just can’t ignore it.
However, due to limited participation in certain weight categories, including divisions with just three boxers, the likes of Lovlina Borgohain (75kg), Pooja Rani (80kg) and Alfiya Pathan effectively received medals simply for participating. It’s a bit like when a school cricket match ends with a draw because only a few teams turned up – the medals are still there, but the competition feels different.
Earlier in the week, two‑time world champion Nikhat Zareen (54kg), Ankushita Boro (65kg), Lovlina Borgohain (75kg) and Pooja Rani (80kg) had settled for bronze medals after losing in the semifinals. Watching their fights, I could see the same determination that I see when my neighbour’s son practices his “danda” on the street corner – they keep coming back, regardless of the result.
In the men’s section, Vishwanath Suresh (48kg) and Sachin Siwach (60kg) are set to compete in their respective finals on Friday. The buzz around their matches is almost as loud as the crowd at a local kabaddi match when the raider is about to score a point.
India have confirmed 16 medals, the highest tally by any nation in the ongoing edition. That number feels like the total number of sweets we get during a festive season – enough to share, but still a lot to be proud of.
(With inputs from Agencies)
