World Boxing Cup: Meenakshi, Sakshi, Pooja, Hitesh & Jugnoo Book Spot In Final

Last Updated:July 05, 2025, 18:40 IST

India's boxing team aims for six gold medals at the World Boxing Cup in Astana, after impressive semi-final victories by Meenakshi, Sakshi, Pooja Rani, Hitesh Gulia, and Jugnoo.

India's Pooja Rani and Jugnoo at World Boxing Cup in Astana (BFI)

India’s boxing team at the World Boxing Cup in Astana, Kazakhstan 2025, aims to secure at least six gold medals on the final day, Sunday, following impressive victories by Meenakshi (women’s 48kg), Sakshi (women’s 54kg), Pooja Rani (women’s 80kg), Hitesh Gulia (men’s 70kg), and Jugnoo (men’s 85kg) in their respective semi-finals on Saturday.

India is guaranteed 11 medals from Astana, with Abhinash Jamwal (men’s 65kg) still competing for a spot in the final later in the day.

Meenakshi initiated India’s success on Saturday with an aggressive performance, defeating Nurselen Yalgettekin of Turkey 5:0 in the 48kg semi-final. Sakshi then showcased her skill, consistently landing punches to dominate Feruza Kazakova of Uzbekistan and securing a 5:0 victory in the 54kg category.

Olympian Pooja Rani overcame a late challenge from Elif Guneri of Turkey in the 80kg category, winning with a 3:2 decision to reach the final. Nupur had already secured her place in the 80+kg final on Friday, ensuring four Indian women boxers in the finals.

Sanju (60kg) was another Indian women’s semi-finalist on Saturday. Despite her best effort against Viktoriya Grafeyeva of Kazakhstan, she lost 0:5 and will return home with a bronze medal.

How Many Medals India Won?

Earlier this year, India won six medals in the first leg of the World Boxing Cup in Brazil, where only male boxers competed.

This is the first opportunity for Indian women pugilists to compete on the World Boxing Cup stage, and they have seized it with enthusiasm.

Brazil leg gold medallist Hitesh Gulia faced initial trouble against France’s Makan Traore but made a strong comeback in the second round, followed by a convincing display in the third and final round to secure a place in the final.

Jugnoo then heightened the celebratory mood in the Indian camp with a 5:0 victory over England’s Teagn Scott.

Ritayan Basu

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket content, ha...Read More

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket content, ha...

Read More

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Astana

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News sports World Boxing Cup: Meenakshi, Sakshi, Pooja, Hitesh & Jugnoo Book Spot In Final