India's Youth Boxers Shine on Day One of World Boxing Futures Cup
Synopsis
The Indian youth boxing team has made a remarkable debut at the World Boxing Futures Cup 2026 in Bangkok, achieving victories on the first day with standout performances from Joyshree, Ambekar, and Sahil.
Key Takeaways
Joyshree Devi Chirom achieved a second-round RSC victory.
Ambekar Meetei Lairenlakpam and Sahil Duhan won by unanimous decision.
The tournament runs from March 8 to 15 in Bangkok.
This event is crucial in preparing for the Youth Olympic Games.
India has a diverse team of 10 members competing.
Bangkok, March 8 (NationPress) The Indian youth boxing squad kicked off its journey at the World Boxing Futures Cup 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand, with impressive victories from Joyshree Devi Chirom, Ambekar Meetei Lairenlakpam, and Sahil Duhan on the tournament's first day.
In the women's 54kg division, Joyshree Devi Chirom achieved a Referee Stopped Contest (RSC) win in the second round against her competitor from Tajikistan.
On the men's side, Ambekar Meetei Lairenlakpam (50kg) and Sahil Duhan (60kg) also commenced their respective campaigns with flawless performances, both securing 5-0 unanimous decision wins over fighters from the Philippines and China.
The Indian squad is participating in the Youth Olympic weight classes, making this tournament a vital milestone in their quest for qualification and preparation for the Youth Olympic Games. The Futures Cup is a significant developmental event on the global boxing itinerary, offering young athletes essential international competition experience.
Running from March 8 to 15, the World Boxing Futures Cup gathers some of the most promising youth boxers globally, serving as a pivotal developmental opportunity.
Last year, Indian youth boxers made history at the 3rd Asian Youth Games in Bahrain, securing seven medals—four gold, two silver, and one bronze—marking India's best-ever performance in youth boxing on the continental stage.
The Indian team aims to build on this positive momentum as preliminary rounds proceed in Bangkok.
India has dispatched a 10-member contingent across both men's and women's categories. The women's team includes Gunjan (48kg), Chandrika Bhoreshi Pujari (51kg), Joyshree Devi Chirom (54kg), Radhamani Longjam (57kg), and Prachi (60kg). The men's lineup features Ambekar Meetei Lairenlakpam (50kg), Udham Singh Raghav (55kg), Sahil Duhan (60kg), Aman Siwach (65kg), and Priyansh Sehrawat (70kg).
Before the tournament, Ajay Singh, President of the Boxing Federation of India, stated, “The World Boxing Futures Cup is a crucial platform for our young athletes to gain international exposure and face elite competitors from around the world. Competing in the Youth Olympic weight classes adds to the significance of this tournament, offering our athletes valuable experience and preparation for the Youth Olympic Games. We are confident that this team will demonstrate determination and maximize this opportunity.”
Point of View
The team's current success is a promising sign for India's future in youth boxing.
NationPress
21 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the World Boxing Futures Cup?
The World Boxing Futures Cup is a significant international boxing tournament that provides young athletes with essential competition experience while striving for qualification in events like the Youth Olympic Games.
When is the World Boxing Futures Cup taking place?
The event is being held from March 8 to 15, 2026, in Bangkok, Thailand.
How did the Indian youth boxing team perform on the first day?
The Indian youth boxing team achieved a strong start with victories from Joyshree Devi Chirom, Ambekar Meetei Lairenlakpam, and Sahil Duhan on the opening day.
What are the weight categories the Indian team is competing in?
The Indian team is competing across various Youth Olympic weight categories, including both men's and women's divisions.
Who is the President of the Boxing Federation of India?
The President of the Boxing Federation of India is Ajay Singh.
