Indian boxers have made headlines by showcasing their impressive skills at international championships, particularly at the inaugural U19 World Boxing Championships held from October 25 to November 5, 2024, at the Pueblo Convention Center in Colorado, USA. This tournament serves as a significant platform for young talents, marking the first time boxers aged 17 and 18 competed on such a scale.
With remarkable determination and ability, the Indian contingent achieved outstanding results, returning home with a total of 17 medals: two gold, six silver, and nine bronze medals. This performance not only demonstrates the skill of the young athletes but also highlights India's growing influence in the world of boxing.
Among the standout performances, Parthavi Grewal clinched gold in the women's 65kg category by defeating Aaliyah Hoppema from the Netherlands with a commanding 5-0 win. Another gold medal was secured by Vanshika Goswami, who competed fiercely and finished her bout against Germany’s Victoria Gatt via referee stop contest after just one minute and 37 seconds, marking her strength and agility.
Hemant Sangwan represented the men's category and achieved India’s sole gold medal by winning 4-1 against Rishon Sims from the USA in the men’s 90kg final, showcasing his boxing prowess. Their triumphs were not just personal victories but significant achievements for Indian boxing, especially amid fierce international competition.
Alongside the gold medalists, several other athletes also performed admirably, earning silver medals: Nisha (51kg), Supriya Devi Thokchom (54kg), Kritika Wasan (80kg), Chanchal Chaudhary (48kg), Anjali Singh (57kg), Vini (60kg), Akansha Phalaswal (70kg), and Rahul Kundu (75kg). Each of these athletes displayed immense talent and promise for the future of boxing.
The bronze medalists included Rishi Singh (50kg), Krrish Pal (55kg), Sumit (70kg), Aryan (85kg), and Lakshay Rathi (90+kg), contributing to the overall medal tally and underlining the depth of talent within the Indian boxing framework.
The success at the championships is also attributed to the Khelo India initiative, which aims to promote sports among the youth. A notable aspect of the Indian team’s performance was the involvement of Khelo India Athletes (KIAS), with 11 of them contributing significantly to the medal haul, including eight from the Sports Authority of India National Centre of Excellence (NCOE).
The efforts of institutions like the NCOE Rohtak were evident, as they produced multiple medal winners across different categories, including both boys and girls who showed exceptional skill. The Indian team’s performance has drawn recognition not only for their individual achievements but also for their collective strength and teamwork.
Parthavi Grewal, Vanshika Goswami, and Hemant Sangwan's accomplishments serve as inspiration for many budding athletes, particularly young female boxers. With 10 female boxers standing on the podium during this championship, the event has illuminated the growing prominence of women’s boxing within the nation.
The Indian boxing community remains hopeful, as Jangra himself, who recently won the World Boxing Federation's super featherweight world title, believes these victories will inspire more young fighters to embrace boxing as a viable career path. This sentiment echoed during his recent victory over Britain's Conor McIntosh, where he stated, “This title will open the way for other boxers to pursue professional careers.”
Jangra's success, alongside the achievements of his fellow boxers, reflects the increasing recognition and support for the sport within India, particularly from the government and various sports bodies. His dominant performance throughout the match and the accolades he brings home are pivotal for the country’s boxing narrative, reshaping how the sport is perceived.
For aspiring athletes everywhere, the achievements of Indian boxers at both the U19 championships and professional levels depict not only their hard work and dedication but also the importance of infrastructure and grassroots support systems nurtured through initiatives like the Khelo India program. This commitment serves to indicate the vibrant potential future for boxing and sports in India.
With boxing continuing to garner attention and support, the future looks bright for India on the global sports stage. Every medal won and each victory celebrated tells a story of struggle, perseverance, and triumph, igniting aspirations within the youth to pursue their sporting dreams with fervor and zeal.
Indian boxing's rise is not merely about medals; it is about cultivating champions—both inside and outside the ring—who can inspire the next generation.
