Image Source: Mint
Indian boxer Minakshi Hooda delivered a commanding performance in the women’s 48kg quarterfinal at the World Boxing Championships 2025 in Liverpool, solidifying India’s position on the podium with a fourth assured medal. The 24-year-old from Rohtak, Haryana, outclassed England’s Alice Pumphrey with a clean 5:0 judges’ verdict, moving confidently into the semifinals and joining her Indian teammates who have already secured medals.
Key Highlights: Quality Performance and Medal Milestone
Minakshi used her height and long reach advantage to maintain control from the opening bell, landing precise straight punches while preventing Pumphrey, the U19 world champion, from mounting any serious offense.
The unanimous decision by all five judges highlighted the clarity of her dominance and tactical maturity in the ring.
This victory guarantees India a bronze medal at least, as reaching the semifinals in world championships awards medals, boosting the nation’s tally in the prestigious boxing event.
She joins medalists Nupur Sheoran (women’s 80+kg), Jaismine Lamboria (women’s 57kg), and Pooja Rani (women’s 80kg) who have all advanced to the semifinals, marking a historic and strong showing for Indian women’s boxing.
Broader Context: India’s Boxing Campaign and Contingent
India fielded its largest-ever team of 20 boxers in this inaugural World Boxing Championships conducted by the newly formed World Boxing governing body.
The event has witnessed mixed results for Indians, including the early exit of favorites like Commonwealth Games champion Nikhat Zareen and Olympic bronze medalist Lovlina Borgohain.
The country’s boxers have admirably fought through tough competition, with Minakshi’s performance underscoring India’s growing stature in the sport.
Upcoming Challenges: Road to the Finals
Minakshi’s next bout in the semifinals will be intensely watched as she faces a formidable opponent in the quest for gold.
Meanwhile, Jaismine Lamboria and Nupur Sheoran are set to compete in their respective semifinals, with hopes high for India to further add to its medal tally with potential spots in the final matches.
Men’s Category Update
On the men’s side, Jadumani Singh Mandengbam competed against former world champion and two-time Asian champion Sanzhar Tashkenbay of Kazakhstan in the men’s 50kg quarterfinal but lost 0-4 despite a valiant effort in his debut world championships.
This underscores the fierce level of competition and experience required at the highest levels.
Significance and Inspiration
Minakshi’s assured medal adds to India’s growing legacy in women’s boxing, a sport steadily gaining popularity and recognition at home.
Her clinical victory serves as motivation for young Indian athletes aspiring to international success.
The team’s combined success at this edition of the World Championships reflects growing investments in training, coaching, and grassroots development.
Conclusion
By decisively defeating England’s Alice Pumphrey, Minakshi Hooda ensured India’s fourth medal at the World Boxing Championships 2025, cementing her place among the elite and showcasing the strength of Indian boxing on the world stage. Along with her teammates advancing to finals, India looks poised for historic achievements at this global event, inspiring an entire generation of boxing enthusiasts.
Sources: Tribune India, NDTV Sports, Olympics.com, Firstpost, Times of India
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