Did Senior National Boxing Open with Easy Wins for Nikhat, Minakshi, and Lovlina?
Synopsis
In an electrifying start to the Elite National Boxing Championships, celebrated champions Nikhat, Minakshi, and Lovlina showcased their prowess with commanding victories. As they set the tone for the tournament, excitement builds for more thrilling matchups at this unprecedented dual championship event.
Key Takeaways
Minakshi , Nikhat Zareen , and Lovlina Borgohain achieved easy wins in their opening matches.
The championships are being held simultaneously for both men and women.
A total of 600 boxers are competing.
Direct entry is granted to boxers from the World Boxing Cup Finals .
Medallists in Olympic weight categories will be called for national camp.
New Delhi, Jan 5 (NationPress) World Champion Minakshi, two-time world champion Nikhat Zareen, and Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist Lovlina Borgohain commenced their journey with effortless victories in the Elite Men and Women National Boxing Championships at Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida, on Monday.
This marks the inaugural occasion where both men's and women's National Championships are being conducted concurrently at the same venue, with 600 boxers from across the nation competing in 10 weight categories each for men and women.
Nikhat (48-51kg), representing Telangana, decisively defeated Nidhi from Chandigarh with a score of 5:0, while Minakshi (45-48kg) also achieved victory over Tamil Nadu’s V Lakshaya S Vijayan by the same score.
In the women’s 70-75kg category, Lovlina faced no challenges in overcoming Krisha Verma through an unanimous decision.
In the men's events, Sagar (47-50kg) triumphed over Ashutosh with a score of 5:0, and Sumit (70-75kg) similarly beat Arshpreet Singh. Rising star Hitesh (65-70kg) showcased his skills with a commanding 5-0 victory against Ankit.
In the 55-60kg weight class, Sachin secured a convincing 5:0 win over Tushar, while Ankush (50-55kg) defeated Suraj Bhan by the same scoreline.
Earlier on Sunday, 2018 Asian Games gold medallist Amit Panghal of SSCB and Sagar of Haryana exhibited contrasting performances to advance in the Elite Men and Women National Boxing Championships.
Amit, competing in the Bantamweight category, dominated Usman Mohd Sultan from Bihar to earn an unanimous decision.
In the heavyweight category, Sagar was tested by Edwin from Kerala before managing to win by a split decision. Lalrambuat from Mizoram also won by unanimous decision in the bantamweight category against Santosh Kumar from Odisha.
Other notable participants in the Nationals include reigning World Champion Jaismine, World Championships bronze medallists Pooja Rani and Parveen, former World Champion Nitu Ghanghas, and Asian Games bronze medallist Preeti Pawar among women, alongside World Boxing Cup Finals gold medallist Hitesh and Sachin, World Boxing Cup Finals silver medallist Abhinash Jamwal, and Asian Games bronze medallist Narender Berwal in the men's category.
Each member association has dispatched a maximum of 10 male and 10 female boxers, while participants from the World Boxing Cup Finals held in Noida in November 2025 have been granted direct entry into the nationals. Eligibility is limited to boxers born between January 1, 1985, and December 31, 2006.
All medallists in Olympic weight categories will be invited to the national camp, while only gold and silver medallists from all non-Olympic weight categories will be included in the camp after the Nationals.
Point of View
I believe the Elite National Boxing Championships not only showcase the talents of our athletes but also highlight the growing popularity of boxing in India. This event brings together the best of both men and women, providing a platform for future stars to emerge.
NationPress
20 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the Elite National Boxing Championships?
The Elite National Boxing Championships serve as a crucial platform for boxers to demonstrate their skills and earn a spot in national camps, ultimately shaping the future of boxing in India.
Who are the key participants in this championship?
Key participants include World Champions and Olympic medalists such as Minakshi , Nikhat Zareen , and Lovlina Borgohain , among others.
Where is the championship being held?
The championship is being held at Gautam Buddha University in Greater Noida .
How many weight categories are there?
There are 10 weight categories each for men and women in this championship.
What are the eligibility criteria for boxers?
Boxers must be born between January 1, 1985 and December 31, 2006 to compete in the championships.
