India Assures Eight U-23 Boxing Finalists, Adds Seven Bronze Medals at Asian Championships

Jakarta: India continued its impressive run at the Asian U-19 & U-23 Boxing Championships, with eight boxers storming into the U-23 finals across the men's and women's categories, while seven others settled for bronze after reaching the semifinals.

The Indian women's contingent produced a dominant performance, sending five boxers into the title clashes. Nisha (54kg) cruised into the final after defeating South Korea's Hyeju Lee by referee-stopped contest (RSC) in the opening round. Nikita Chand (60kg) also wrapped up her semifinal in the first round, registering an RSC victory over Japan's Sarii Kokufu.

Kajal (65kg) advanced with another convincing display, forcing an RSC in the second round against Kyrgyzstan's Gulzina Melsvek. In the heavier weight divisions, Muskan (75kg) outclassed Uzbekistan's Toirova Oysha with a unanimous 5-0 verdict, while Priyanka (+80kg) secured a dominant 5-0 win over Kazakhstan's Panar Seiitkhankyzy.

India also enjoyed success in the men's U-23 competition, where three boxers booked their places in the finals. Vishvanath Suresh (50kg) registered a comprehensive 5-0 victory over his opponent from the Philippines. Ganga (55kg) edged past his Japanese rival in a closely fought 3-2 split decision, while Vanshaj (65kg) defeated Kyrgyzstan's boxer 4-1 to move into the gold medal bout.

Apart from the finalists, India collected seven bronze medals through semifinal finishes. In the women's U-23 category, Tanu (51kg), Prachi (57kg), Shivani (70kg), and Naina (80kg) secured bronze medals. In the men's competition, Hitesh (70kg), Neeraj (75kg), and Ishan Kataria (+90kg) also finished with bronze.

India's strong showing has further strengthened its medal tally at the continental tournament, reflecting the country's growing depth in both men's and women's boxing across multiple weight categories.

The Asian U-19 & U-23 Boxing Championships are being held in Jakarta, Indonesia, from July 5 to July 16. The Indian squad entered the tournament after an intensive national training camp focused on improving technical skills, tactical awareness, and physical conditioning, building on encouraging performances in recent international competitions.

With inputs from IANS