India’s young boxing contingent continued to make its presence felt on the international stage as reigning world champion Minakshi produced another confident display to advance to the quarterfinals of the World Boxing Cup Stage 2 in Guiyang, China. The Indian boxer delivered a composed and technically superior performance in the women’s 51kg category, extending her impressive run in a tournament that has already yielded promising results for the country.
As the competition enters its decisive stages, India finds itself firmly in the hunt for multiple medals, with several boxers progressing deep into their respective categories. The strong performances in Guiyang come at an important time for Indian boxing, which is looking to build momentum ahead of major international events and the qualification cycle leading towards the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
Competing in her new Olympic weight division, Minakshi showcased the skill and confidence that helped her become world champion in the 48kg category. Facing Poland’s Natalia Kuczewska in the round of 16, the Indian boxer controlled the bout from the opening bell, using sharp footwork, accurate combinations and effective ring management to neutralise her opponent’s attacks.
The judges unanimously rewarded her dominance, handing Minakshi a comprehensive 5-0 victory and a place in the last eight. The result further highlighted her successful transition from the 48kg division to the Olympic 51kg weight class, where she is expected to be one of India’s leading medal prospects in the coming years.
The shift in weight category is particularly significant following changes to the Olympic programme, which have prompted several elite boxers around the world to adapt to new divisions. Minakshi’s ability to remain competitive while moving up in weight demonstrates both her versatility and long-term potential on the international circuit.
While Minakshi celebrated victory, it proved to be a disappointing day for India’s other boxer in action. Abhinash Jamwal exited the competition after suffering a 0-5 defeat against Kyrgyzstan’s Mirzokhid Imamnazarov in the men’s 65kg category. Despite the setback, Jamwal’s participation at the World Boxing Cup adds valuable international experience as he continues his development against high-quality opposition.
India’s overall campaign, however, remains on a strong footing. With Minakshi’s progression, the country now has five boxers through to the quarterfinal stage, while two others have already guaranteed themselves medals by reaching the semi-finals. Nikhil in the men’s 55kg division, Deepak Poonia in the men’s 70kg category, Minakshi in women’s 51kg, Prachi in women’s 57kg and Saneh in women’s 65kg are all still in contention for podium finishes. Their advancement reflects the growing depth within Indian boxing and the effectiveness of the country’s athlete development programmes.
Meanwhile, Jyoti and Jugnoo have already secured medals for India after booking places in their respective semi-finals earlier in the tournament. Jyoti has impressed in the women’s 48kg category, while Jugnoo has emerged as one of India’s standout performers in the men’s 85kg division. Under World Boxing competition rules, reaching the semi-final stage guarantees at least a bronze medal, ensuring India will leave Guiyang with silverware. According to World Boxing, the newly launched World Boxing Cup series is designed to provide elite athletes with regular high-level international competition as the sport prepares for future Olympic cycles.
Attention now turns to what promises to be a crucial fifth day of competition for the Indian contingent. Minakshi faces one of her toughest tests yet when she takes on Kazakhstan’s Alua Balkibekova in the women’s 51kg quarterfinal. Balkibekova is among the most accomplished boxers in the division and has enjoyed considerable success at both Asian and world-level competitions. The contest is expected to provide a valuable measure of Minakshi’s progress in her new weight class.
Elsewhere, Saneh will square off against Poland’s Kinga Krowka in the women’s 65kg quarterfinal, while Prachi is set to face Chinese Taipei’s Chengyu Yang in the women’s 57kg category.
India’s men’s hopes will also be in action, with Nikhil taking on Azerbaijan’s Amin Mammadzada in the 55kg division. Deepak Poonia faces another Azerbaijani challenge in Nabi Isgandarov in the men’s 70kg category. Azerbaijan has traditionally been one of the strongest nations in amateur boxing, making these bouts particularly significant.
The World Boxing Cup in Guiyang has attracted some of the sport’s top talents from across Asia, Europe and the Americas, making it an important benchmark for athletes preparing for future world championships and Olympic qualification events. For India, the tournament has already provided encouraging signs, with several young boxers demonstrating the ability to compete with the world’s best.
As the quarterfinals approach, the focus will be on converting strong performances into medals. With seven Indian boxers still in contention and two medals already secured, the team remains well positioned to enjoy one of its most successful outings of the season.
If Minakshi and her teammates can continue their impressive form, India’s medal tally in Guiyang could grow significantly over the coming days, further strengthening the country’s reputation as one of the rising forces in international boxing.
