Greater Noida is buzzing with the triumph of Indian women's boxing, as the nation celebrates a spectacular performance at the Women's Boxing World Cup Stage II and World Championships. Leading the charge were the sensational Nikhat Zareen (57kg) and the powerful Jaismine Lamboria (67kg), both of whom secured gold medals, igniting a fresh wave of excitement and pride for Indian sports.
The success of the contingent has been phenomenal, a dazzling prelude to the upcoming Olympics. The squad wrapped up the championships with an impressive tally of 20 medals—9 gold, 6 silver, and 5 bronze—with women boxers accounting for a stunning seven gold medals alone. This achievement is a testament to the sheer talent, relentless dedication, and tactical brilliance of the Indian female boxers.
A Star-Studded Lineup
Beyond the headline-grabbing wins of Zareen and Lamboria, the team's depth was on full display. The gold medalists also included the likes of Minakshi Hooda (48kg), Jaismine (48kg), and Nupur Sheoran (80+kg), who each contributed to the nation’s best-ever performance at a premier international boxing event. The men's squad also played a significant role, with gold medals from Sachin Siwach (60kg), Hitesh Gulia (70kg), Pawan Bartwal (55kg), Abhimansh Jamal (65kg), Ankush (80kg), and Narender (90+kg).
The overall performance has propelled India into the global boxing elite, cementing its status as a serious contender on the international stage.
Nikhat Zareen: A Masterclass in Strategy
The most anticipated bout was undoubtedly the final featuring Nikhat Zareen. The 29-year-old pugilist, already a celebrated World Champion, showcased her class against Chinese Taipei's 20-year-old Guo Yi-Xuan in the 57kg final.
Zareen’s victory was not a mere stroke of luck, but a carefully executed plan. "I had strategised well for this bout. She (Xuan) is a counter-boxer, so my plan was to play counter-boxing instead of attacking from her scrappy semi-final win where she had struggled for accuracy and speed," Nikhat stated after her win. Her smart, aggressive, yet controlled approach saw her defeat Xuan with a decisive 5-0 scoreline, validating her preparation and ring intelligence.
This gold medal marked a significant milestone, as Zareen finally captured the top spot after being forced to settle for a short break in her career. "My last win was also at home, so it's a bit of a flashback. I manifested this result, and I achieved it," she beamed. The win is a vital boost as she prepares for the Olympics, seeking to translate her World Championship success into an Olympic medal.
Jaismine Lamboria: The New Gold Standard
Equally thrilling was the performance of Jaismine Lamboria. Facing the seasoned campaigner from Chinese Taipei, Chien-Hui, in the 67kg final, Jaismine delivered a performance of grit and maturity.
"If I had attacked, it would have worked against me. I made her play to my strength. It’s good to finally win a gold medal after such a long wait," said Jaismine, who secured her second major gold medal in two months following an underwhelming World Championships. Her victory was a powerful demonstration of her physical strength and tactical discipline. The win carries extra weight as she too eyes a medal in the upcoming Olympics.
The boxers’ success is not just a personal achievement but a collective victory for Indian boxing. The coaching staff and federations, through structured training and support, have clearly created an environment where champions are forged. The next chapter will see these athletes finetuning their skills for the ultimate test—the Olympics. If this "gold rush" is any indication, Indian women’s boxing is poised to deliver a historic performance on the global stage.
