India’s boxing contingent marked a memorable debut at the elite World Boxing Cup in Foz Do Iguacu, Brazil, finishing their campaign with six medals, including a historic gold by Hitesh in the 70kg category.
This was India’s first appearance at an elite international event organised by World Boxing, the newly formed global governing body. The 10-member squad made a strong impression on the global stage, returning with one gold, one silver, and four bronze medals.
Hitesh etched his name in the history books by becoming the first Indian boxer to win gold at the World Boxing Cup. His scheduled opponent in the final, Odel Kamara of England, was unable to compete due to injury, handing the Indian a walkover and the top prize in the 70kg division.
Speaking after the event, Hitesh emphasized the value of the team’s preparations leading into the tournament. “The camp helped me learn a few tactical nuances that helped me a lot in the competition,” he said. “This tournament has provided us fantastic exposure at the highest level and I am happy that I could grab the gold medal.”
In the 65kg category, Abhinash Jamwal fought valiantly in the final against Brazil’s Yuri Reis. Despite a strong performance, the Indian boxer had to settle for silver after the judges awarded a narrow decision to the home favourite.
Meanwhile, four Indian boxers secured bronze medals, showcasing the team’s depth across multiple weight classes. Jadumani Singh Mandengbam (50kg), Manish Rathore (55kg), Sachin (60kg), and Vishal (90kg) all reached the semifinals, contributing to India’s impressive medal tally.
The World Boxing Cup served as India’s first major international competition since the Paris Olympics, and the results indicate promising signs for the future of Indian boxing. The exposure gained in Brazil is expected to bolster the country’s preparations for upcoming global events.
The Indian team’s performance has drawn praise from across the sporting fraternity, with many highlighting it as a significant step in India’s growing presence on the world boxing scene. With a strong debut under their belt, Indian boxing looks poised for further success on the international stage.
