2025 Elite Women’s National Boxing Championship: Anamika's Title Defense Kicks Off with Convincing Victory

Greater Noida, March 21 (NationPress) - The current Lightfly champion Anamika Hooda commenced her title defense at the 8th Elite Women’s National Boxing Championship 2025 by defeating Sikkim's Prava Gajneer via knockout in the second round. A gold medallist at the BRICS Games 2024, the Railways boxer’s commanding performance established a high-energy opening, attended by prominent figures such as IOA President PT Usha, BFI President Ajay Singh, Indian cricketer RP Singh, along with Olympic bronze medalist Vijender Singh, World Champion Nikhat Zareen, and Olympians Sarita Devi and Manoj Kumar. Numerous dignitaries were present to witness the matches.

The championship, hosted by the BFI in partnership with the Uttar Pradesh Boxing Association, is taking place at the Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, from March 20 to 27, 2025. A total of 188 boxers representing 24 associations and state units will compete across ten weight categories in this week-long event, adhering to the World Boxing Technical & Competition Rules, which include three three-minute rounds with one-minute rest intervals.

BFI President Ajay Singh shared his excitement as the championship commenced, stating, "With boxing officially returning to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, I wish all the athletes the best. I hope many of you will represent India on the global stage and at the Olympics, making our country proud. Our goal is to see the Indian tricolor rise and hear the national anthem play repeatedly in Los Angeles."

IOA President and Indian sports icon PT Usha expressed her delight at the enthusiasm of the boxers, adding, "I received a call from the President yesterday and am thrilled to witness the energy of the boxers competing. Regardless of the challenges within the association, politics should not hinder players. Focus on your event and give it your all with passion. During my time, we lacked proper facilities, yet I made the most of what was available. Today, you have the support and resources to succeed. The competition has started, and I am glad to see boxing continue to grow, which is beneficial not just for the boxers but for our country as well. Wishing you all the best."

In other significant matches of the day, Maharashtra's Devika Ghorpade achieved a unanimous victory over Poonam Bisht of All India Police (AIP) in the 48-51kg category, showcasing technical excellence throughout all rounds. Additionally, Haryana's Tamanna delivered a powerful display, securing a knockout victory in Round 2 against Kerala's Nissy Laissy Thampy, joining Anamika in advancing to the next phase.

Expressing her joy after the victory in front of a star-studded crowd, Anamika remarked, "I am thrilled to have won (in front of all the dignitaries present). I trained tirelessly for this national championship; my sole focus is on clinching the gold medal. I aim to give my best in every bout. The arrangements here are excellent, from food to accommodation, and I am extremely satisfied."

The fiercely contested 48-51kg matchup between Uttarakhand's Shobha Kohli and Punjab's Ekta Saroj concluded in a 4:1 split decision favoring the former, who excelled with superior ring control. In the 54-57kg category, Haryana's Priya dominated Preeti (AIP) with a 5:0 unanimous victory.

Furthermore, Kerala's Milano M.J. outclassed Ladakh's Nilzaya Angmo with an impressive win in the 45-48kg division, while Rajni from the Railways Sports Promotion Board (RSPB) triumphed over Uttar Pradesh's Rajani Singh with a similar 5:0 scoreline. Savita (RSPB) also shone in the 51-54kg category, defeating Suman Yadav from Goa.

The high-energy clashes on the inaugural day set the stage for an exhilarating championship, with World Champion Nitu Ghanghas and Olympian Jasmine scheduled to compete tomorrow.