The first World Boxing Championships under the newly-formed body, World Boxing, concluded on Sunday at the Liverpool Arena in England. Team India wrapped up their campaign with four medals. Two Indian women pugilists were crowned world champions while the men’s contingent returned empty handed.
It was the first World Championship to host both men’s and women’s events, and this is India’s best ever overseas performance at the Worlds.
With 4 medals (2 gold, 1 silver, and 1 bronze), India finished in third place in the medal charts. Kazakhstan topped with 10 medals (7 gold, 1 silver, and 1 bronze) and Uzbekistan finished in second place with 11 medals (6 gold, 2 silver and 3 bronze).
From India, Meenakshi Hooda (48 kg) and Jaismine Lamboria (57 kg) were crowned world champions. India added two more medals. Nupur Sheoran (80+ kg) won silver and Pooja Rani (80 kg) bagged bronze in non-Olympic categories. While two-time world champion Nikhat Zareen crashed out in last eight.
The 24-year-old Meenakshi punched past three-time world champion and Paris Olympics bronze medallist Kazakhstan’s Nazym Kyzaibay 4-1 in the women’s 48kg final to claim the title.
Subedar Jaismine Lamboria edged past Polish pugilist Julia Szeremeta – the Paris Olympics silver medallist in the 57kg title clash. Coming from a family with combat sports roots, Jaismine proved her mettle on the world stage clinching her first gold at the World Championships.
Jaismine became the ninth and Minakshi the 10th women boxer to become world champions. The Boxing Federation of India president, Ajay Singh expressed his happiness over the performance of Indian boxers and introduced Jaismine and Minakshi in an exclusive video to Revsportz.
Reflecting on her maiden world championship title, Jaismine said: “This is the first edition of the World Championships conducted under World Boxing, and I’m very happy to be crowned world champion.”
Minakshi said:“I’m very, very happy to win the gold medal.”
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