BANGKOK: India’s young boxing stars shone at the Asian U19 Championships on Sunday, clinching 14 medals, including three gold. Nisha and Muskan struck gold in the women’s section, while Rahul Kundu topped the podium in the men’s 75kg category. The haul also featured seven silver and four bronze medals.
In the women’s U19 category, nine out of 10 Indian boxers returned with medals — two gold, five silver, and two bronze — underscoring the team’s dominance against strong contenders from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and China.
Nisha (54kg) raised her game in the final round to beat China’s Sirui Yang 4:1, while Muskan (57kg) displayed aggressive intent to edge past Kazakhstan’s Ayazhan Ermek 3:2. Among the silver medalists were Aarti Kumari (75kg), Kritika Wasan (80kg), Parchi Tokas (80+kg), Vini (60kg), and Nisha (65kg), all falling short in hard-fought finals. Yashika (51kg) and Akanksha Phalaswal (70kg) settled for bronze.
In the men’s events, Kundu secured gold with a 4:1 win over Uzbekistan’s Muhammadjon Yakupboevek. Mausam Suhag (65kg) and Hemant Sangwan (92kg) took silver, while Shivam (55kg) and Gaurav (85kg) claimed bronze.
India is also assured of 13 medals in the U22 category, with five boxers set to fight for gold on Monday. A 40-member Indian contingent is competing in the combined U19 and U22 championships.
