New Delhi, December 1: The IBA Junior World Boxing Championships 2023 in Yerevan, Armenia witnessed a stellar performance from Indian pugilists, securing 17 medals in total. On the seventh day of the championship, reigning Asian Junior champions Nisha (52kg) and Akansha (70kg) led the charge, confirming medals along with six other Indian boxers.
The dominance of Indian girls was evident as all five of them emerged victorious in their respective matches, securing berths in the semifinals. Akansha (70kg) faced a tough challenge from Kurbonboeva Rayhona of Uzbekistan but secured a 4-1 split decision win. Nisha (52kg) displayed strength and skill, winning unanimously against Grace Conway of Ireland. Shrushti claimed victory in the 63kg category after the referee stopped the contest in round two against Mariia Kazaova of Russia. Kritika (75kg) asserted dominance from the start, winning by referee stopping the contest in round one against Melendez Sanchez of Mexico. Vini (57kg) advanced to the semis with a walkover from Nunez Naiomi of Trinidad and Tobago.
In the boys’ section, Hemant Sangwan (80 kg) and Sikandar (48kg) secured places in the final four with convincing 5-0 decision wins over their opponents from Bulgaria and Kyrgyzstan, respectively. Sahil faced a tough battle in the 75kg quarterfinals against Ruslan Esanov of Uzbekistan but secured a 3-2 split decision win with impressive movements and decision-making.
M. Kabiraj Singh (63kg) and Rahul Kundu (70kg) faced defeats in the quarterfinals. With these performances, India’s total medal count reached 17, as Megha (80kg) had already secured a medal with a bye in the initial rounds. A total of 17 Indian boxers, including 12 girls, will be competing in the semifinals.
