Will Meenakshi, Sakshi, Pooja Rani, Hitesh, and Jugnoo Secure Final Golds at the World Boxing Cup?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- India's boxing team is set to compete for six gold medals.
- Meenakshi and Sakshi both won their semi-finals decisively.
- Pooja Rani and Hitesh Gulia have also reached their finals.
- This is the first appearance of women's boxing at the World Boxing Cup.
- India is guaranteed 11 medals from this event.
Astana, July 6 (NationPress) India’s boxing team at the World Boxing Cup – Astana, Kazakhstan 2025 is set to compete for a minimum of six gold medals on the final day this Sunday, following Meenakshi (women’s 48kg), Sakshi (women’s 54kg), Pooja Rani (women’s 80kg), Hitesh Gulia (men’s 70kg), and Jugnoo (men’s 85kg) securing impressive victories to advance to the finals of their respective weight classes on Saturday.
India is guaranteed 11 medals from Astana, with Abhinash Jamwal (men’s 65kg) still in contention for a final spot later today.
Meenakshi kickstarted India’s campaign on Saturday with an assertive performance, defeating Nurselen Yalgettekin from Turkey 5:0 in the 48kg semi-final. Sakshi followed suit, showcasing her skills by consistently landing punches against Feruza Kazakova of Uzbekistan, also claiming her final berth with the same score.
Olympian Pooja Rani then overcame a late surge from Elif Guneri of Turkey in the 80kg category, winning with a close 3:2 decision. Nupur had already secured her place in the finals for the 80+ category on Friday, marking a total of four Indian women boxers in the finals.
Sanju (60kg) was the other Indian female semi-finalist in action on Saturday. Despite her commendable effort against Viktoriya Grafeyeva of Kazakhstan, the Indian boxer ended up losing 0:5 and will now aim for a bronze medal.
Earlier this year, India had amassed a total of six medals in the first leg of the World Boxing Cup in Brazil, where only male boxers participated.
Notably, this marks the inaugural occasion for women pugilists to display their talents at the World Boxing Cup, and they have seized this opportunity with enthusiasm.
Hitesh Gulia, a gold medallist from the Brazil leg, initially faced challenges after the first round against Makan Traore of France, but the 20-year-old rebounded in the second round, landing several punches to narrow the gap and secured his place in the finals with a dominant final round.
Jugnoo further elevated the celebratory atmosphere in the Indian camp with a decisive 5:0 victory over Teagn Scott from England.