What Happened at the Inaugural BFI Cup 2025 in Chennai?
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Synopsis
The BFI Cup 2025 has officially begun, marking a significant event in Indian boxing. Early wins by Haryana and Services boxers have set a thrilling tone for this week's tournament. Discover the standout performances and the stakes of this prestigious competition.
Key Takeaways
- BFI Cup 2025 showcases top boxing talent in India.
- Competitions are held across 10 weight categories for both men and women.
- Medalists gain entry into the Elite National Camp.
- Participants include athletes from previous Elite National Championships.
- The event emphasizes nurturing emerging talent.
Chennai, Oct 1 (NationPress) The first-ever Boxing Federation of India (BFI) Cup 2025 commenced at the Vellore Institute of Technology in Chennai on Wednesday, showcasing early victories from Services and Haryana boxers in the preliminary rounds, setting a dynamic tone for the week-long event.
With the aim of providing a platform for emerging boxers to demonstrate their abilities, alongside established stars testing their training, the BFI is hosting the inaugural BFI Cup 2025 in Chennai from October 1 to 7. The competition includes both Elite Men and Women across 10 weight classes each, adhering to World Boxing standards. Participants who secure gold and silver medals will gain entry into the Elite National Camp.
In the women’s category, Haryana’s Mahi Siwach narrowly defeated Tamil Nadu’s Deepa S 3:2 in the 48kg weight class, while Lucky Singhmar triumphed over Janet Philoveena J (Tamil Nadu) via RSC in the second round of their 75kg bout. Rashi Sharma from Uttar Pradesh and Darshana of All India Police also progressed with close wins, while Shena Kumari of Jharkhand (57kg) and Railways fighter Anjali (70kg) achieved convincing 5:0 victories.
In the men’s brackets, Services made an early impact with Deepak defeating Haryana’s Vishesh 3:2 in the 55kg class. Hussam Uddin dominated Chirag 5:0 in an all-Services 60kg match, and Arman Ahlawat (75kg) bested Punjab’s Arshpreet Singh Bhati 5:0. Haryana also opened strongly with Pankaj Kumar (65kg) defeating Vaibhav Dahiya of SAI 5:0. Additional victors included Sanjit Singh Keisham (50kg) and Mitesh Deswal (60kg) from Railways, Ratandeep Sharma (65kg) of Uttar Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu’s S Vasanth Raj (70kg), who achieved an RSC in the first round against Yash Solanki of Delhi.
Boxers from State units and boards that ranked in the Top 8 at the Elite Nationals are competing at the BFI Cup, joined by participants from SAI NCOE and the host state Tamil Nadu. The roster also includes competitors from the last two Elite National Championships, Indian team members from the 2024 and 2025 Asian U-22 Championships, and medalists from international events since 2022.
Enhancing the competition's depth are medalists from the Goa and Uttarakhand National Games as well as the 6th Youth Nationals. All entries are submitted through official State units and boards.
Point of View
It's essential to highlight that the BFI Cup 2025 not only showcases emerging boxing talent but also serves as a vital platform for athletes to gain experience and prepare for future competitions. This tournament reflects the growth of boxing in India and the commitment to nurturing talent at all levels.
NationPress
01/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the BFI Cup 2025?
The BFI Cup 2025 is an inaugural boxing tournament organized by the Boxing Federation of India, featuring competitions for Elite Men and Women across various weight categories.
Where is the BFI Cup 2025 being held?
The tournament is taking place at the Vellore Institute of Technology in Chennai, India.
Who can participate in the BFI Cup?
Boxers from State units and boards that finished in the Top 8 at the Elite Nationals, along with other recognized athletes, are eligible to participate.
What are the benefits for medalists?
Gold and silver medalists from the BFI Cup will earn a pathway into the Elite National Camp, providing further opportunities for training and competition.
When does the BFI Cup 2025 take place?
The BFI Cup is scheduled from October 1 to 7, 2025.
