India's Youth Boxers Shine with Five Medals at World Boxing Futures Cup 2026
India wrapped up its participation at the World Boxing Futures Cup 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand, with an impressive tally of five medals, underscoring the rapid advancement of the nation's youth boxing initiative internationally. The team secured one gold, three silver, and one bronze medal, highlighting the depth of talent emerging from India's structured boxing pathways.
Gold Medal Triumph Led by Chandrika Pujari
Chandrika Pujari spearheaded India's success by delivering a dominant performance in the women's 51 kg final. She defeated Uzbekistan's Mardonova Nazokat with a unanimous decision, clinching the gold medal and setting a high standard for her teammates. This victory was a testament to her skill and preparation under the watchful eyes of boxing officials.
Silver Medal Achievements Across Categories
Three Indian boxers earned silver medals after advancing to the finals in their respective weight classes. In the women's 48 kg category, Gunjan faced a tough opponent from England and lost by a 5-0 decision. Joyshree Devi, competing in the women's 54 kg division, put up a valiant fight but was defeated 4-1 by a boxer from the United States. On the men's side, L. Ambekar Meetei in the 50 kg category also secured silver after losing his final bout to a Ukrainian contender.
Bronze Medal Contribution and Tournament Overview
Radhamani Longjam added to India's medal count by winning a bronze in the women's 57 kg category. She was eliminated in the semifinals following a closely contested match against Ukraine's Yevanhelina Petruk. The World Boxing Futures Cup, held from March 8 to 15 in Bangkok, featured promising young athletes competing in Youth Olympic weight divisions, serving as a crucial preparatory event for the upcoming Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.
Strategic Growth and International Recognition
With World Boxing President Gennadiy Golovkin and Boxing Federation of India (BFI) President Ajay Singh in attendance, India's performance reflected the strengthening of its youth boxing ecosystem. The emphasis on structured training, regular international competitions, and timely national tournaments has enabled young boxers to transition confidently to the global arena, reinforcing India's growing influence in world boxing.
The Indian U-19 men's and women's teams demonstrated assured performances against high-quality international opponents, with half of the contingent returning with medals. This achievement not only boosts morale but also sets a positive trajectory for future competitions, as India continues to nurture its boxing talents for greater success on the world stage.
