Railways Dominate Women’s Nationals with 5 Gold Medals; Haryana and All India Police Secure Podium Spots

Greater Noida, March 27 (NationPress) Railways showcased their dominance at the 8th Elite Women’s National Boxing Championship, successfully defending their title with a total of nine medals, as all five of their finalists secured gold at the Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex on Thursday. Haryana took the second position with six medals, comprising two gold and several silver medals, while All India Police (AIP) finished third with seven medals, which included one gold.

This week-long tournament followed the World Boxing Technical & Competition Rules, featuring 188 boxers from 24 state units competing in ten weight categories.

In total, the Railways earned five gold medals alongside four bronzes. The second-place Haryana achieved two gold, three silver, and one bronze medal. Meanwhile, All India Police garnered one gold, four silvers, and two bronzes.

The Boxing Federation of India (BFI) President Ajay Singh announced a cash prize of INR 50,000 for the outstanding performers of the championship, with Jaismine Lamboria of Services Sports Promotion Board (SSPB) being honored with the Best Boxer Award and Simranjit Kaur of Punjab recognized as Best Challenger. Laxmi received the Best Referee award, while Rekha Swami was named Best Judge.

“The Youth National Championship is scheduled for April at the same venue, followed by the Junior National Championship in Nainital in May. Furthermore, the Sub-Junior National Championship will occur in Delhi or Goa in June,” stated BFI President Ajay Singh. “We are dedicated to safeguarding the interests of our boxers and ensuring that all National Championships are completed within the next two months.”

While addressing the medal ceremony, BFI President Ajay Singh elaborated on future National Championships and highlighted the federation’s commitment to nurturing talent and ensuring an efficient competition framework.

Singh also expressed his gratitude to the UP Boxing Association, BFI officials, athletes, and referees for the seamless execution of the event, encouraging boxers to prepare for the World Boxing Cup, set to be hosted in India in November.

Leading the charge for the Railways, Anamika and Nupur successfully defended their national titles. Anamika, the defending light flyweight champion, triumphed over Haryana’s Tamanna with a unanimous decision, while heavyweight champion Nupur similarly defeated AIP’s Kiran to secure consecutive titles.

Sonia Lather, last year's 57kg gold medallist, showcased her adaptability by moving up to 60kg and winning with a 4:1 split decision against AIP’s Sanju. Sanamacha Chanu continued her impressive streak with a 5:2 victory over Haryana’s Saneh, while Muskan dashed Punjab’s Anjali’s hopes with a first-round stoppage.

The Services team delivered a flawless performance, with Jaismine Lamboria and Sakshi achieving a perfect win record for their unit. Jaismine, unstoppable throughout the tournament, delivered another impressive display, defeating Haryana’s Priya 5:0 to win the featherweight title. Sakshi quickly dispatched Abha Singh, securing an RSC R1 victory to complete a perfect campaign for Services.

Pooja Rani of Haryana, the reigning 75kg champion, moved up to 80kg and denied AIP’s Lalfakmawi Ralte a gold medal for the second time in a row. Neeraj Phogat contributed to Haryana’s medal count with a hard-fought 4:3 victory over Simranjit Kaur in the 60-65kg division. Minakshi ensured a gold for AIP after successfully defending her title with a commanding 5:0 win over Sikkim's Yasika Rai.

Joining the event, Olympian and World Championship Bronze Medallist Nishant Dev motivated the young boxers as they aspired to excel on the national stage.

Final results:

45-48kg – Gold: Minakshi (AIP), Silver: Yasika Rai (SIK), Bronze: Sanjana (DEL), Rajni (RSPB)

48-51kg – Gold: Anamika (RSPB), Silver: Tamanna (HAR), Bronze: Kalaivani S (TN), Sunita (RAJ)

51-54kg – Gold: Sakshi (SSCB), Silver: Abha Singh (AIP), Bronze: Savita (RSPB), Aarti Dhariyal (UTK)

54-57kg – Gold: Jaismine (SSCB), Silver: Priya (HAR), Bronze: Vishakha Varitya (PUN), Poonam (RSPB)

57-60kg – Gold: Sonia Lather (RSPB), Silver: Sanju (AIP), Bronze: Poonam Kaithwas (MAH), Aparajita Mani (UP)

60-65kg – Gold: Neeraj Phogat (HAR), Silver: Simranjit Kaur (PUN), Bronze: Alena Devi (MAN), Sonu (AIP)

65-70kg – Gold: Sanamacha Chanu (RSPB), Silver: Saneh (HAR), Bronze: Imroz Khan (AIP), Lalita (RAJ)

70-75kg – Gold: Muskan (RSPB), Silver: Anjali (PUN), Bronze: Shweta (RAJ), Anju (CHD)

75-80kg – Gold: Pooja Rani (HAR), Silver: Lalfakmawi Ralte (AIP), Bronze: Anupama (RSPB), Pranshu Rathore (CHD)

80+ kg – Gold: Nupur (RSPB), Silver: Kiran (AIP), Bronze: Ipsita Vikram (UP), Priyanka Tewatia (HAR)