Minakshi advances to quarters at Boxing World Cup in Guiyang
Synopsis
World No. 1 Minakshi delivered a flawless 5-0 win at the Boxing World Cup in Guiyang, taking India's quarterfinal count to five — with Jyoti and Jugnoo already guaranteed medals from the semis. India's 20-strong squad is punching well above expectations at Stage 2.
Key Takeaways
Minakshi (51kg) , reigning 48kg World Champion and World No.
1 , beat Poland's Natalia Kuczewska 5-0 on Day 4 of the Boxing World Cup (Stage 2) in Guiyang, China .
Abhinash Jamwal (65kg) was eliminated after losing 0-5 to Kyrgyzstan's Mirzokhid Imamnazarov .
India has 5 boxers in the quarterfinals: Nikhil, Deepak, Minakshi, Prachi, and Saneh .
Jyoti (48kg) and Jugnoo (85kg) have already secured medals by reaching the semi-finals .
The BFI expanded India's squad from 18 to 20 , adding Jyoti and Aakash (75kg) as late inclusions.
On Day 5 , four Indian boxers — Minakshi, Saneh, Nikhil, Prachi — compete in quarterfinals, with Deepak Poonia also in action.
Minakshi, the reigning 48kg World Champion and World No. 1, powered India's charge at the Boxing World Cup (Stage 2) in Guiyang, China, on Day 4 of the tournament by recording a commanding 5-0 unanimous decision victory over Poland's Natalia Kuczewska in the women's 51kg category to book her quarterfinal berth.
Day 4 Results
Minakshi's clinical win was the standout performance for India on the day. In contrast, Abhinash Jamwal (65kg) was eliminated from the tournament after suffering a 0-5 defeat to Kyrgyzstan's Mirzokhid Imamnazarov, ending his campaign at the group stage.
India's Standing in the Tournament
Despite Jamwal's exit, India's overall position at the competition remains strong. A total of five Indian boxers have now secured quarterfinal spots: Nikhil (55kg), Deepak (70kg), Minakshi (51kg), Prachi (57kg), and Saneh (65kg). Going further, Jyoti (48kg) and Jugnoo (85kg) have already guaranteed themselves medals by advancing to the semi-finals.
Notably, Jyoti was a late addition to the squad after the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) expanded its contingent from 18 to 20 members, also including Aakash in the 75kg category. India fielded an equal split of 10 male and 10 female boxers at the event.
What the BFI President Said
Ajay Singh, President of the Boxing Federation of India, had justified the squad expansion ahead of the tournament. 'Our foremost responsibility is towards the athletes. International competitions play a vital role in a boxer's development, and every deserving athlete should have the opportunity to test themselves against the best in the world. Jyoti and Aakash have worked hard to earn this chance, and it is important that they are able to compete, gain valuable exposure against top international opponents and further their development at the highest level,' Singh said.
Day 5 Schedule for India
Four Indian boxers are set to compete in quarterfinal bouts on Day 5. In the women's draw, Minakshi (51kg) faces Kazakhstan's Alua Balkibekova, Saneh (65kg) takes on Poland's Kinga Krowka, and Prachi (57kg) meets Chengyu Yang of Chinese Taipei. On the men's side, Nikhil (55kg) will face Azerbaijan's Amin Mammadzada, while Deepak Poonia (70kg) is drawn against Azerbaijan's Nabi Isgandarov. With two boxers already in the semis and five more in the quarters, India's medal tally at Guiyang could grow significantly by end of day.
Point of View
India's performance at Guiyang is shaping up as one of its stronger showings at a World Cup stage event — a timely confidence boost ahead of the Olympic qualification cycle.
NationPress
5 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Minakshi perform at the Boxing World Cup Day 4?
Minakshi won her Round of 16 bout by a 5-0 unanimous decision against Poland's Natalia Kuczewska in the women's 51kg category, advancing to the quarterfinals. She is the reigning 48kg World Champion and current World No. 1, now competing at 51kg.
How many Indian boxers have reached the quarterfinals at the Boxing World Cup 2025?
Five Indian boxers have reached the quarterfinals: Nikhil (55kg), Deepak (70kg), Minakshi (51kg), Prachi (57kg), and Saneh (65kg). Additionally, Jyoti (48kg) and Jugnoo (85kg) have already secured medals by advancing to the semi-finals.
Who does Minakshi face in the Boxing World Cup quarterfinals?
Minakshi (51kg) will face Kazakhstan's Alua Balkibekova in her Day 5 quarterfinal bout at the Boxing World Cup in Guiyang, China.
Why was India's Boxing World Cup squad expanded to 20 members?
The Boxing Federation of India (BFI) expanded the squad from 18 to 20 to include Jyoti and Aakash (75kg), who had earned their places through hard work. BFI President Ajay Singh stated that international exposure is vital for a boxer's development and that every deserving athlete should have the opportunity to compete at the highest level.
Which Indian boxer was eliminated on Day 4 of the Boxing World Cup?
Abhinash Jamwal (65kg) was eliminated on Day 4 after losing 0-5 to Kyrgyzstan's Mirzokhid Imamnazarov, ending his campaign at the Boxing World Cup Stage 2 in Guiyang.
