How Did Jaismine and Nikhat Zareen Lead India to the Finals at the World Boxing Cup?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- 15 Indian finalists representing the nation at the World Boxing Cup Finals 2025.
- Jaismine Lamboria and Nikhat Zareen lead the charge for gold.
- India aims to secure a total of 20 medals.
- Exciting matchups to look forward to in the finals.
- Significant growth of Indian boxing on the world stage.
Greater Noida (Uttar Pradesh), Nov 19 (NationPress) The current World Champion Jaismine Lamboria (57kg) alongside two-time former World Champion Nikhat Zareen (51kg) spearheaded India's most impressive performance at the World Boxing Cup Finals 2025, advancing to the gold-medal matches. The host nation has an astonishing 15 finalists confirmed for Thursday's championship bouts—the greatest number from any nation in this prestigious event, taking place at the Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex in Greater Noida.
Jaismine showcased her prowess with a stellar 5:0 victory over Kazakhstan's Ulzhan Sarsenbek, a former Asian Youth Champion. Her performance was marked by exceptional defensive skills and fluid combinations. This victory sets the stage for an exciting final against Paris Olympic medallist Wu Shih-Yi, anticipated to be one of the highlight showdowns of the tournament.
On the other hand, Nikhat led the charge as India completed Session 7 with a brilliant trio of wins against Uzbekistan, with teammates Sachin Siwach and Hitesh Gulia also triumphing. Drawing on her vast experience, Nikhat delivered a strategic yet aggressive performance, consistently landing sharp left hooks in a tactical duel against Ganieva Gulsevar.
Sachin (60kg) took an early lead, skillfully maintaining distance to outmaneuver Dilshod Abdumurodov, while Hitesh (70kg) displayed impressive counter-punching, effectively using Mukhammadazizbek Ismoilov's aggression against him for a commanding win.
During the afternoon session, Pawan (55kg) and Jadumani Singh (50kg) delivered remarkable victories to sustain the host nation's momentum. Pawan overcame an intense first round to dominate England’s Ellis Trowbridge with two outstanding rounds for a 5:0 victory. Jadumani overwhelmed Australia’s Omer Izaz, a medallist at the Astana World Cup, with relentless pressure and precise footwork.
Jugnoo (85kg) exited after a 5:0 defeat, while Neeraj Phogat (65kg) displayed courage against Olympic medallist Chen Nien-Chin, ultimately falling by a 3:2 split decision. Sumit (75kg) claimed a bronze after a 4:1 setback against Poland’s Michal Jarlinski.
With 15 Indian boxers advancing to the finals, the nation has secured an impressive haul of 20 medals, ensuring that every competing boxer finishes with a podium placement. The title bouts on Thursday will prominently feature contests between India and Uzbekistan, with six finals showcasing direct matchups, including high-profile clashes like Arundhati versus Aziza Zokirova, Nupur against Sotimboeva Oltinoy, Minakshi facing Fozilova Farzona, and Narender's electrifying battle against undefeated knockout artist Khalimjon Mamasoliev. Jadumani and Pawan will compete against Asilbek Jalilov and Samandar Olimov, respectively.
The remaining finals promise equally thrilling matchups, with Preeti taking on Italy’s Sirine Charrabi, Parveen battling Japan’s Ayaka Taguchi, and Pooja gearing up for a significant challenge against Poland’s reigning World Champion Agata Kaczmarska. In the men's category, Ankush Phangal will face England’s Shittu Oladimeji, and Abhinash Jamwal takes on Japan’s experienced Shion Nishiyama, culminating in an action-packed final day for the hosts.