Indian women wrestlers begin their campaign in the 2026 Elite National Boxing Championships, being held at Gautam Buddha University in Greater Noida, with dominance. On Monday, January 5, world champions Nikhat Zareen and Minakshi, and Olympic bronze medallist Lovlina Borgohain registered wins in their respective matches. The championships feature around 600 boxers competing across 10 weight categories each in the men’s and women’s events.
India’s Nikhat represented Telangana in the 48-51kg category. The two-time former world champion defeated Chandigarh’s Nidhi in a clean sweep victory by 5-0. Nikhat’s controlled and confident win match showcased her sharp wrestling skills. Meanwhile, world champion Minakshi was dominant in her 45-48kg category match. She defeated Tamil Nadu’s V Lakshaya S Vijayan with the same score as Nikhat by 5-0. Minakshi took the early lead in the contest while leaving her opponent with limited strikes.
Finally, in the 70-75kg division, Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist Lovlina added a third win in the women’s category after securing the victory on a unanimous decision against Krisha Verma. Lovlina’s experience and controlled gameplay led her towards the win.
On the other hand, the men’s wrestling events saw one-sided victories. In the 47-50kg category, India’s Sagar defeated Ashutosh by 5-0, while Sumit secured his victory over Arshpreet Singh in the 70-75kg division. Meanwhile, Hitesh dominated the 65-70kg category over Ankit. In addition to that, Sachin and Ankush have also advanced ahead after registering a win in their respective weight class by 5-0.
The opening round of the championship ended in some high-intense wrestling action from Indian star prospects.
National Boxing Championships 2026
Organized by the Boxing Federation of India, the Elite Men and Women National Boxing Championship will be held from January 4 to 10, 2026. The championship is being held for the first time in Indian boxing, with the men’s and women’s events being staged together in the same venue.
Besides Meenakshi, Nikhat, and Lovlina, other women contenders in the championship are Pooja Rani and Parveen, world championships bronze medallists, former world champion Nitu Ghanghas, and also Asian Games bronze medallist Preeti Pawar.
The championship is a key to selection in the next Asian Games and Commonwealth Games. The 2025 World Boxing Cup Finals held in Noida in November already had wrestlers with direct entry. The eligibility criteria for the event only include boxers born between January 1, 1985, and December 31, 2006.
