In a big moment for Indian boxing, Hitesh Gulia made history by becoming the first Indian boxer to win a gold medal at the World Boxing Cup 2025, held in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil. His win shows both his great performance and how India is growing stronger in international boxing.
A Historic Victory
Hitesh Gulia secured the gold medal in the 70 kg weight category after his opponent, Odel Kamara of England, was forced to withdraw from the final due to an injury. Although the final bout didn’t take place, Gulia’s consistent performance throughout the tournament had already cemented his place as a top contender.
Hitesh credited his win to the 10-day preparation camp in Brazil, which he said helped him improve his tactical game and sharpen his strategies. “The camp gave me the right exposure and fine-tuned my techniques. It played a huge role in my victory,” he said after the win.
Impressive Medal Haul for India
India’s debut at the World Boxing Cup turned out to be a highly successful campaign. The 10-member Indian contingent managed to bring home a total of six medals, including:
🥇 1 Gold – Hitesh Gulia (70 kg)
🥈 1 Silver – Abhinash Jamwal (65 kg), who fought bravely but lost a close final against Brazil’s Yuri Reis.
🥉 4 Bronze Medals:
- Jadumani Singh Mandengbam (50 kg)
- Manish Rathore (55 kg)
- Sachin (60 kg)
- Vishal (90 kg)
Strong Debut at Elite Level
This event marked India’s first participation in the elite international tournament organized by the newly-formed World Boxing. Despite being newcomers, the Indian team showcased immense grit and skill against seasoned international opponents.
Their commendable performance has not only earned them international recognition but also strengthened their preparations ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Significance and Impact
The World Boxing Cup 2025 was more than just a tournament, it was a testing ground for emerging boxers from around the globe. For India, it provided valuable exposure, experience, and confidence to its athletes.
With six medals in the bag and one historic gold, the Indian boxing contingent has sent a strong message: India is ready to rise on the global boxing stage.
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