India’s women boxers have scripted a golden chapter at the 2025 World Boxing Championships in Liverpool, returning home with four medals and the nation’s best-ever overseas performance in the tournament’s history. While seasoned stars like Nikhat Zareen and Lovlina Borgohain exi...
India’s women boxers have scripted a golden chapter at the 2025 World Boxing Championships in Liverpool, returning home with four medals and the nation’s best-ever overseas performance in the tournament’s history. While seasoned stars like Nikhat Zareen and Lovlina Borgohain exited early, a new generation of fighters stepped up, showcasing grit, skill, and emotional depth. Their triumph not only salvaged India’s campaign but elevated the country to second place on the women’s medals table.
The quartet of Jaismine Lamboria, Minakshi Hooda, Nupur Sheoran, and Pooja Rani delivered two golds, one silver, and one bronze, each with a compelling backstory and a performance that resonated far beyond the ring.
Key Highlights From India’s Campaign
- Jaismine Lamboria won gold in the 57 kg category, defeating Olympic silver medallist Julia Szeremeta of Poland by a 4-1 split decision
- Minakshi Hooda clinched gold in the 48 kg category, avenging her previous loss to Kazakhstan’s Nazym Kyzaibay
- Nupur Sheoran secured silver in the 80+ kg category after a close 2-3 split decision loss to Poland’s Agata Kaczmarska
- Pooja Rani earned bronze in the 80 kg category, falling to England’s Emily Asquith in the semi-finals
Rising Stars And Their Remarkable Journeys
Jaismine Lamboria, 24, from Bhiwani, stunned the boxing world with her commanding run. She dispatched four opponents with unanimous 5-0 verdicts before toppling Szeremeta in the final. Her height advantage and tactical shift in the second round turned the tide, showcasing her growth since the Paris 2024 Olympics. Coming from a family steeped in sports, Lamboria was mentored by her uncles, both national champions, and now eyes a podium finish at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Minakshi Hooda’s journey was equally compelling. Hailing from Rohtak’s Rurki village, she overcame financial hardship and familial resistance to pursue boxing. Her father, an autorickshaw driver, initially opposed her ambitions, but Minakshi’s perseverance paid off. Her 4-1 win over Kyzaibay was not just a medal—it was redemption. She had lost to the same opponent in Astana just months earlier, making this victory a personal and professional breakthrough.
Legacy And Lineage In The Ring
Nupur Sheoran, 26, from Bhiwani, carried the weight of legacy. Her grandfather, Captain Hawa Singh, was an Asian gold medallist, and her family runs a boxing club. Despite the pressure, she fought valiantly in the 80+ kg final, narrowly missing gold in a split decision. Her performance was a testament to her technical finesse and mental resilience.
Pooja Rani, a seasoned campaigner and Asian Games medallist, finally added a World Championship medal to her resume. Her bronze was a testament to her enduring spirit and strategic prowess, even as she prepares for the upcoming Asian Championships.
A Tale Of Contrasts Between Teams
While the women soared, the men’s contingent failed to qualify for any medal bouts. The contrast was stark and underscored the growing dominance of Indian women in global boxing. The results also reaffirmed Haryana’s status as the cradle of Indian boxing, with all four medalists hailing from the state.
What Comes Next For India’s Women Boxers
With the World Boxing Cup finals scheduled in New Delhi this November and the 2026 calendar packed with the Commonwealth and Asian Games, the momentum is firmly with India’s women boxers. Lamboria has already set her sights on the 2028 Olympics, while Rani is gearing up for another shot at continental glory.
This campaign was not just about medals—it was about rewriting narratives, breaking stereotypes, and proving that Indian women can punch far above their weight on the global stage.
Sources: Olympics.com, Times of India, MSN India, Khel Now
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