New Delhi, Feb 28 (NationPress) Olympic medallist Lovlina Borgohain and two-time world champion Nikhat Zareen are set to lead the 20-member Indian team at the Asian Boxing Championships 2026, taking place in Mongolia from March 28 to April 11.

This 20-member squad was determined following a rigorous month-long assessment, with athletes joining the ongoing national training camp in Patiala after the National Championships held in January.

According to the selection criteria, finalists in the Asian Boxing Championships 2026 across approved weight classes for the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games 2026 will earn direct entries into the respective multi-sport delegations. This continental championship holds significant weight as it presents both a chance for medals and a vital qualification route for the upcoming multi-sport events.

Lovlina (75kg), who recently clinched gold at the Boxam Elite 2026 Championship in Spain, will lead the women’s team alongside Preeti (54kg), Arundhati Choudhary (70kg), and Priya (60kg), all of whom also secured gold in Spain and have consistently performed well. They will be complemented by current world champions Minakshi (48kg) and Jaismine (57kg).

The roster also features Nikhat Zareen (51kg), gold medallist at the World Boxing Cup Final, along with Ankushita Boro (65kg), Pooja Rani (80kg), and Alfiya Tarannum Akram Khan Pathan (80+kg), creating a balanced team that combines seasoned athletes with rising stars.

In the men's division, Sachin (60kg), gold winner at both the World Boxing Cup Final and the Boxam Championship 2026, will lead the group. He is joined by Akash (75kg), who also earned gold in Spain, along with silver medallist Deepak (70kg) and Ankush (80kg).

The team further includes Jadumani Singh Mandengbam (55kg), who claimed bronze in Spain and silver at the World Boxing Finals.

The lineup is rounded out by Vishwanath Suresh (50kg), Aditya Pratap Yadav (65kg), Lokesh (85kg), Harsh Choudhary (90kg), and Narender (90+kg).

Commenting on the selection, BFI President Ajay Singh stated, "The Asian Championships serve as a true benchmark for excellence and consistency. Our selection process prioritized boxers who demonstrated form, discipline, and the capacity to excel under pressure. We trust this team can hold its own against the finest in Asia."

The evaluations were carried out under the guidance of Head Coaches Santiago Nieva (Women) and CA Kuttappa (Men), with the support staff vigilantly overseeing preparations in the training camp.

With a mix of Olympic medallists, world champions, and emerging talents, India aims to deliver an impressive performance at the Asian Boxing Championships and gain momentum for the 2026 season. The team enters the tournament following a successful outing, winning nine gold medals at the Boxam Elite 2026 in Spain, the highest among all participating countries, and demonstrating consistent top-three placements at the World Championships and World Boxing Cup, highlighting the ongoing advancement of Indian boxing.

Indian Squad for Asian Boxing Championships 2026:

Women:

Minakshi (48kg), Nikhat Zareen (51kg), Preeti (54kg), Jaismine (57kg), Priya (60kg), Ankushita Boro (65kg), Arundhati Choudhary (70kg), Lovlina Borgohain (75kg), Pooja Rani (80kg), Alfiya Tarannum Akram Khan Pathan (80+kg)

Men:

Vishwanath Suresh (50kg), Jadumani Singh Mandengbam (55kg), Sachin (60kg), Aditya Pratap Yadav (65kg), Deepak (70kg), Akash (75kg), Ankush (80kg), Lokesh (85kg), Harsh Choudhary (90kg), Narender (90+kg)