Dominant Sakshi Clinches India’s First Gold at World Boxing Cup

Astana — Two-time youth world champion Sakshi opened India’s gold medal tally at the World Boxing Cup – Astana, Kazakhstan 2025, with a commanding victory in the women’s 54kg final on Sunday.

The 24-year-old Indian boxer showcased her aggressive style against USA’s Yosline Perez, earning a unanimous decision from the judges with her dominant performance.

The Indian boxing contingent has enjoyed a successful campaign so far, securing a total of 11 medals at the event. In the first leg of the World Boxing Cup held in Brazil, India claimed six medals, including one gold and one silver.

Four Indian boxers were in action during Sunday’s first session, with Sakshi being the standout performer. Her quick footwork and sharp combination punches helped her seal the top spot on the podium.

Earlier, Meenakshi fought hard in the women’s 48kg final but narrowly missed out on gold, losing to Kazakhstan’s Nazym Kyzaibay in a close 3:2 decision.

In other finals, Jugnoo (men’s 85kg) and Pooja Rani (women’s 80kg) both secured silver medals after falling short in their respective bouts. Jugnoo was defeated 0:5 by Kazakhstan’s Bekzad Nurdauletov, while Pooja suffered an identical 0:5 loss to Australia’s Eseta Flint.

The hunt for gold continues as four more Indian boxers are set to compete in the evening session. Brazil leg gold medallist Hitesh Gulia (men’s 70kg) will lead the charge, joined by Abhinash Jamwal (men’s 65kg), Jaismine (women’s 57kg), and Nupur (women’s 85+ kg).

With inputs from IANS