Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia : India’s women’s boxing team confirmed a clean medal sweep at the 2026 Asian Boxing Championships after two of its brightest stars stormed into the semifinals in commanding fashion, guaranteeing podium finishes for the entire women’s contingent.
Dominant Performances Under the Spotlight
Reigning world champions Meenakshi Hooda and Jaismine Lamboria led the charge on Day 7 of the competition in Ulaanbaatar.
In the 48kg category, Meenakshi produced a polished and controlled performance against Japan’s Yuka Sadamatsu, securing a unanimous 5–0 decision to book her place in the semifinals.
In the 57kg division, Jaismine was equally commanding, outclassing China’s Ziyi Chen by the same 5–0 verdict to keep India’s gold medal hopes alive.
These victories ensured that every Indian female boxer remaining in the tournament would finish with a medal—an achievement reflecting the depth and consistency of the squad.
Backing It Up Earlier in the Week
India had already secured multiple medals before Meenakshi and Jaismine’s triumphs:
Nikhat Zareen advanced with a first-round RSC (Referee Stops Contest) win in the 51kg quarterfinal, showcasing dominance early in her bout.
Priya followed up with a composed 4–1 victory over China’s Chengyu Yang in the 60kg category to claim her semifinal spot.
Preeti Pawar delivered a commanding 5–0 unanimous decision over Mongolia’s Mungun Tsetseg in the 54kg division, setting up a tough semifinal test.
These results had already guaranteed at least three medals for India before the latest women’s results.
What the Boxers Said
After her win, Meenakshi reflected on her dominant showing, emphasizing her focus on strategy and precision throughout the bout. Meanwhile, Jaismine highlighted the team’s collective strength, noting that the confidence gained from each fighter’s success had been crucial in maintaining momentum.
With the semifinals set, India’s women boxers will continue their bid for top honours on the continental stage. The squad’s ability to secure multiple medals, including potential golds, underscores the rising stature of Indian women in elite boxing.
As the Championships progress, all eyes will be on the semifinal bouts, where Indian pugilists aim to convert podium guarantees into title triumphs.
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