India opened the World Boxing Cup Finals 2025 in style as Minakshi, Preeti, Ankush Phangal, and Narender Berwal all registered dominant wins to enter the semifinals, securing medals on the very first day. Competing among the world’s top eight in each category, the Indian quartet displayed control, accuracy, and composure at the Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex in Greater Noida.
Minakshi (48kg) set the momentum with a high-tempo, precision-driven win over Kazakhstan’s Bolat Akbota, followed by Preeti (54kg), who outclassed Uzbekistan’s Nigina Uktamova with sharp movement and aggressive combinations. Ankush Phangal (80kg) soaked up early pressure before tactically outboxing Japan’s Go Wakaya for a unanimous win, while Narender Berwal (90+kg) powered through a cut above his eye to defeat Ukraine’s Andrii Khaletskyi 4:1 with disciplined, heavy-hitting boxing.
Day 2 will see India’s men’s contingent in action, with Pawan Bartwal (55kg), Sumit (75kg), and Naveen Kumar (90kg) taking on strong opponents from Kazakhstan and Korea in crucial afternoon bouts. Later in the evening session, Jadumani Singh (50kg) faces Kazakhstan’s Ongarov Nurzat, while Hitesh (70kg) prepares for a marquee clash against top seed and Asian Games medalist Sewon Okazawa.
Elsewhere on Day 1, athletes from Poland, Uzbekistan, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and Australia delivered commanding victories, showcasing the high level of competition at this elite top-eight world tournament.
