Women’s National Boxing: Titleholders Minakshi and Anamika Advance to Finals

Synopsis

Minakshi and Anamika Hooda successfully reached the finals of the 8th Elite Women’s National Boxing Championship, maintaining their championship titles with impressive victories. Minakshi showcased her dominance in the Minimumweight category, while Anamika faced a tough challenge in the Light Flyweight division.

Key Takeaways

Minakshi and Anamika Hooda secured spots in the finals.
Minakshi achieved a dominant RSC victory.
Anamika won in a tight split decision.
The championship is hosted by BFI and Uttar Pradesh Boxing Association.
188 boxers are competing across ten weight categories.

Greater Noida, March 26 (NationPress) The reigning champions Minakshi and Anamika Hooda have successfully retained their titles by advancing to the finals of the 8th Elite Women’s National Boxing Championship with distinct victories on Wednesday. The current Minimumweight (45-48kg) champion Minakshi (AIP) was formidable, defeating Delhi’s Sanjana with a third-round RSC victory to secure her spot in the final.

On the other hand, Light Flyweight (48-51kg) titleholder Anamika Hooda (RSPB) encountered her most challenging opponent yet, narrowly overcoming Tamil Nadu’s Kalaivani S in a thrilling 4:3 split decision victory. Minakshi will face Yasika Rai (Sikkim), while Anamika is set to battle against Haryana’s Tamanna in their respective final matches.

The event, organized by the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) in partnership with the Uttar Pradesh Boxing Association, is being held at the Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, concluding on March 27. A total of 188 boxers from 24 state units are competing across ten weight classes in this week-long tournament, adhering to the World Boxing Technical & Competition Rules, which include three three-minute rounds with one-minute rest intervals.

Jaismine Lamboria (SSCB) showcased her prowess again, achieving another RSC victory, this time in Round 3 against Punjab’s Vishaka Vartiya in the Featherweight (54-57kg) semifinals. The Commonwealth Games medallist has dominated her opponents with relentless strength and accuracy, and she will now face Haryana’s Priya, who narrowly defeated Railways’ Poonam to set up an exciting title match.

In the 60-65kg category, World Championships silver medallist Sonia Lather maintained her title pursuit with a decisive 5:0 victory over Maharashtra’s Poonam Kaithwas. She is set to meet Sanju (AIP) in the final after Sanju's impressive performance.

In the 66-70kg division, Sanamacha Chanu (RSPB) continued her strong performance, winning by unanimous decision over All India Police’s Imroz Khan. The Youth World Champion will now compete against Haryana’s Saneh, who delivered a commanding 5:0 victory over Lalita.

In the 75-80kg category, Pooja Rani (AIP) narrowly defeated Railways’ Anupama with a 4:1 victory and will face Lalfakmawi Ralte (AIP) in the final. Sakshi from Services, who won convincingly against Railways’ Savita, will meet All India Police’s Abha Singh.

The Light Welterweight (60-65kg) final will feature Simranjit Kaur (Punjab) against Neeraj Phogat (Haryana) after both secured impressive semifinal wins. In the Middleweight (70-75kg) category, Anjali (Punjab) and Muskan (RSPB) will face off in a title match, while in the 80+kg division, defending champion Nupur (RSPB) will take on Kiran (AIP) in a highly anticipated final.