Bhubaneswar : Minakshi Hooda’s journey to the pinnacle of world boxing is a story of grit, dreams, and a father’s unwavering belief. Born and raised in the small village of Rurki Kiloi in Haryana, Minakshi had to fight more than just opponents in the ring—she fought societal norms and financial hardships, beginning her journey wearing borrowed gloves and shoes. Her father, Srikrishan Hooda, an auto-rickshaw driver who worked tirelessly to support the family, played a pivotal role in her success. “Meri chhori duniya jeetegi,” he often said, a prophecy that Minakshi has fulfilled spectacularly.
At just 24, Minakshi stunned the world by claiming gold at the 2025 World Boxing Championships in Liverpool, defeating Kazakhstan’s Olympic bronze medallist Nazym Kyzaibay with a flamboyant 4-1 verdict in the 48kg category final. This victory made her the second Indian woman ever to clinch this prestigious title. Her triumph is not just hers; it echoes in the cramped auto-rickshaw rides her father took to ferry passengers, the borrowed equipment in the village gym, and the sacrifices of a family that refused to give up.
Coached by Vijay Hooda in a dilapidated gym in their village, Minakshi’s rise is also a testament to community spirit and dogged determination against all odds. She has now carved her name alongside Indian boxing legends, and her story inspires thousands of young women in India to dream big, regardless of their background.
From the dusty village roads to the global boxing stage, Minakshi Hooda’s journey is a knockout reminder that with faith, fight, and family, no dream is too big .
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