Asian Boxing C'ships: Vishvanath, Chandrika lead India's U-19 & U-23 squad
Synopsis
India sends its strongest youth boxing lineup to Jakarta, with Asian champion Vishvanath Suresh and Futures Cup gold medallist Chandrika Bhoresh Pujari leading a 40-strong squad across U-19 and U-23 divisions. The BFI sees the 3 July championships as a critical pipeline event — and a live audition for the next generation of senior contenders.
Key Takeaways
Vishvanath Suresh , reigning Asian champion in men's U-23 50kg , headlines India's squad at the U-19 & U-23 Asian Boxing Championships .
Chandrika Bhoresh Pujari , World Boxing Futures Cup gold medallist, leads the U-19 girls' campaign in the 51kg category.
The championships begin on 3 July in Jakarta, Indonesia .
The Boxing Federation of India (BFI) announced the squads on 1 July , covering all weight categories across both age groups.
BFI president Ajay Singh described the event as a 'crucial stepping stone' for India's next generation of elite boxers.
Reigning Asian champion Vishvanath Suresh and World Boxing Futures Cup gold medallist Chandrika Bhoresh Pujari will spearhead India's challenge at the U-19 and U-23 Asian Boxing Championships, which get underway on 3 July in Jakarta, Indonesia. The Boxing Federation of India (BFI) confirmed the squads on Wednesday, 1 July, fielding a blend of established continental performers and promising newcomers across both age groups.
Men's U-23 Squad
Vishvanath Suresh, the defending Asian champion in the men's U-23 50kg category, anchors a deep men's contingent. He is joined by Ganga (55kg), Sagar Jakhar (60kg), Vanshaj (65kg), Hitesh (70kg), Neeraj (75kg), Aryan Malik (80kg), Rocky Chaudhary (85kg), Hemant Sangwan (90kg), and Ishan Kataria (+90kg). The women's U-23 side features Nidhi (48kg), Tanu (51kg), Nisha (54kg), Prachi (57kg), Nikita Chand (60kg), Kajal (65kg), Shivani (70kg), Muskan (75kg), Naina (80kg), and Priyanka (+80kg).
U-19 Contingent
In the U-19 girls' draw, Chandrika Bhoresh Pujari — winner of gold at the Futures Cup — leads the charge in the 51kg category. She is supported by Gunjan (48kg), Chirom Joyshree Devi (54kg), Prachi (57kg), Chahat (60kg), Vanshika (65kg), Lakshu (70kg), Anshika (75kg), Megha Sheokand (80kg), and Prachi Tokas (+80kg). The boys' U-19 squad is led by Lairenlakpam Ambekar Meetei (50kg), alongside Aditya (55kg), Sikander (60kg), Mausam Suhag (65kg), Prashant (70kg), Devendra Chaudhary (75kg), Lokesh (80kg), Sagar (85kg), Shubham Rajput (90kg), and Loven Gulia (+90kg).
BFI's Long-Term Vision
BFI president Ajay Singh underscored the strategic importance of the tournament for India's boxing pipeline. 'The U-19 and U-23 Asian Championships are crucial stepping stones for our young boxers as they transition to the elite level. We are seeing strong depth across weight categories, and this group represents the future of Indian boxing. Our focus remains on building consistency and giving our athletes the exposure needed to succeed on the international stage,' he said.
Preparations and Context
The selected boxers have been training at the national camp, with preparations centred on technical refinement, tactical execution, and physical conditioning. India arrives in Jakarta on the back of encouraging results at recent continental and global events, with growing depth across multiple weight divisions. Notably, the championships double as a key scouting ground for selectors tracking prospects for the senior circuit in the coming years.
Point of View
Not just participation. The depth across weight categories is real — but the true measure of this pipeline will come when these boxers step up to senior competition. Jakarta is less a tournament and more a live stress-test of the national camp's output over the past 18 months.
NationPress
1 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where are the U-19 & U-23 Asian Boxing Championships 2025?
The championships begin on 3 July 2025 in Jakarta, Indonesia. The event covers both U-19 and U-23 age groups across men's and women's weight categories.
Who is leading India's challenge at the Asian Boxing Championships?
Reigning Asian champion Vishvanath Suresh (men's U-23 50kg) and World Boxing Futures Cup gold medallist Chandrika Bhoresh Pujari (U-19 girls' 51kg) are spearheading India's challenge at the tournament.
Which body selected India's boxing squad for Jakarta?
The Boxing Federation of India (BFI) announced the squads on 1 July. BFI president Ajay Singh highlighted the championships as a key development platform for India's next generation of boxers.
How many boxers is India sending to the Asian Championships?
India is fielding 10 boxers each in the men's U-23, women's U-23, U-19 girls', and U-19 boys' categories — a full-strength contingent of 40 athletes across both age groups.
Why are the U-19 and U-23 Asian Boxing Championships important for India?
The championships serve as a critical platform for young Indian boxers to gain international exposure and build the consistency required to transition to the senior ranks. According to BFI president Ajay Singh, the federation's long-term focus is on strengthening the talent pipeline through exactly such continental competitions.
