In a scene reminiscent of a Hollywood awards mix-up, boxer Hussamuddin's triumphant return to the ring at the Boxing Nationals was almost stolen by an announcer's error. The 2023 World Championships bronze medallist was declared the winner of the men's 60kg final by a split 3-2 decision, only to have the victory momentarily awarded to his opponent, Sachin Siwach. The blunder was quickly corrected, crowning Hussamuddin as the national champion after a long and painful hiatus from the sport.
From Agony to Ecstasy: A Rollercoaster Final
The final bout, held in Greater Noida on Saturday, January 10, 2026, was a classic clash of youth versus experience. Facing the younger and faster Sachin Siwach, India's current go-to boxer in the 60kg category, Hussamuddin lost the first round 4-1. However, drawing on his vast experience, the pugilist from Nizamabad mounted a stunning comeback to win the next two rounds and secure the bout.
The victory celebration was abruptly cut short when the ring announcer mistakenly declared Sachin Siwach as the winner. The moment drew immediate parallels to the infamous 2017 Oscars mix-up where 'La La Land' was incorrectly announced over 'Moonlight'. Officials swiftly intervened, reversing the announcement and confirming Hussamuddin as the rightful champion.
A Gruelling Comeback Trail Marred by Injuries
This national title marks a significant milestone in Hussamuddin's arduous journey back to the top. His peak in 2023, which yielded a World Championships bronze, was derailed by a serious knee injury sustained in the quarter-finals of that very event. He made a brave return six months later for the 2024 Olympic qualifiers but was struck by another setback—a knuckle injury that sidelined him for over 20 months.
In an emotional statement after the win, Hussamuddin addressed the doubters and the pain of missing the Olympics. "This year is very important for me. I was injured for a long time and I wanted to prove myself," he said. "Many people told me to give up but I knew that I still have something left in me to offer at the elite level." He highlighted the importance of the win with major tournaments like the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games on the horizon.
The Experience Factor and Future Battles
Services head coach Hari Beniwal was quick to praise the champion's resilience. "He is an experienced boxer and you don't have any substitute for that," Beniwal stated, acknowledging that while Hussamuddin needs to work on his power, his performance in returning from injury to win the national title was commendable.
The boxer's elder brother and coach, Aitesamuddin, revealed the mental battles Hussamuddin fought during recovery. "A lot of people said that he should leave the game as he is nearing 30. But he is dedicated and keeps fighting," he shared, adding that missing the Paris Olympics berth was a massive blow for the boxer who was in prime form in 2023.
Hussamuddin's next challenge is the national camp starting January 12th, where he will be assessed alongside three other boxers in his category for selection in the upcoming Asian Championships in March.
Other notable winners at the Boxing Nationals included:
- Men's: Vishwanath (50kg), Nikhat Zareen (51kg - Women's), Lovlina Borgohain (75kg - Women's), and Narender (90+kg).
- Women's: Minakshi Hooda (48kg), Preeti Pawar (54kg), and Arundhati Choudhary (70kg).
The full results underscore the depth of talent in Indian boxing, with Services Sports Control Board (SSCB) athletes dominating the men's podium.
