India continued its impressive run at the World Boxing Cup Stage 2 in Guiyang, China, with Nikhil (55kg), Deepak (70kg) and Saneh (65kg) producing convincing performances to advance to the quarter-finals. Their victories added fresh momentum to the Indian contingent, which is now firmly in the race for multiple medals.
Nikhil starts the day in style
Competing in the men’s 55kg category, Nikhil delivered a composed and technically superior performance against Brazil’s Kelvy Trindade. The Indian boxer controlled all three rounds and earned a 5-0 unanimous decision, comfortably securing his place in the last eight.
Deepak stuns decorated Japanese opponent
One of the biggest results of the day came in the men’s 70kg division, where Deepak outclassed Japan’s Sewon Okazawa with another 5-0 unanimous verdict.
The victory was particularly significant as Okazawa is a World Championship silver medallist and a former Asian Games champion. Deepak’s disciplined defence, accurate counter-punching and ring control helped him register one of India’s most impressive wins of the tournament so far.
Saneh fights through tough contest
In the women’s 65kg category, Saneh faced a determined challenge from South Korea’s Seon Sujin. After a closely fought contest, the Indian boxer emerged victorious by a 4-1 split decision, earning a deserved quarter-final berth.
Mixed fortunes for Indian boxers
While three Indians progressed, two others saw their campaigns come to an end.
Malsawmtluanga (80kg) lost 1-4 to Jordan’s Ashaish Hussein.
Mahi Lama (60kg) suffered a 0-5 defeat against Mongolia’s Monkhor Namuun.
Despite those setbacks, India’s overall campaign remains encouraging with several boxers still alive in the competition.
India’s campaign gathers momentum
The following day brought more good news as Minakshi (51kg) advanced to the quarter-finals after a commanding 5-0 victory over Poland’s Natalia Kuczewska. However, Abhinash Jamwal (65kg) exited the tournament following a 0-5 defeat to Kyrgyzstan’s Mirzokhid Imamnazarov.
With Minakshi’s win, India now has five boxers in the quarter-finals:
Nikhil (55kg)
Deepak (70kg)
Saneh (65kg)
Minakshi (51kg)
Prachi (57kg)
Meanwhile, Jyoti (48kg) and Jugnoo (85kg) have already confirmed themselves at least bronze medals by reaching the semi-finals, ensuring India has already opened its medal account in Guiyang.
Quarter-final fixtures for India
Nikhil (55kg) vs Amin Mammadzada (Azerbaijan)
Deepak (70kg) vs Nabi Isgandarov (Azerbaijan)
Minakshi (51kg) vs Alua Balkibekova (Kazakhstan)
Saneh (65kg) vs Kinga Krowka (Poland)
Prachi (57kg) vs Winner of Shih Yi Wu (Chinese Taipei) and Chengyu Yang (Chinese Taipei)
India’s medal hopes remain bright
After a steady start to the tournament, India has built strong momentum with consistent performances across both the men’s and women’s categories. The dominant victories recorded by Nikhil and Deepak, along with Saneh’s gritty success, have strengthened India’s prospects heading into the crucial quarter-final stage, where wins will guarantee additional medals.
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