India’s boxing contingent produced a mixed bag of results at the ongoing World Boxing Cup 2025, as Sakshi Choudhary, Jaismine Lamboria, and Lakshya Chahar advanced to the quarterfinals, while veteran Manish Kaushik faced an early exit, dashing his medal hopes.
Sakshi Choudhary Shines With Dominant Win
Young featherweight boxer Sakshi Choudhary (57kg) displayed her trademark aggression and superior ring control to defeat Italy’s Giulia Vandi in a unanimous 5-0 decision. From the opening bell, Sakshi:
- Controlled the centre of the ring with rapid footwork.
- Landed precise right hooks and combinations to keep her opponent on the backfoot.
- Defended counter-attacks with strong upper-body movement.
After the bout, Sakshi said:
“My strategy was to dominate from round one. I’m happy with my execution and looking forward to the quarters.”
She will next face Kazakhstan’s Zhaina Shekerbekova, a former Asian champion, in what promises to be a high-intensity encounter.
Jaismine Lamboria Advances With Tactical Brilliance
Competing in the 60kg lightweight division, Jaismine Lamboria outclassed Morocco’s Ibtissam Tagnit in a calculated fight, winning 4-1. Her highlights included:
- Using her height advantage to keep Tagnit at bay with sharp jabs.
- Slipping inside to land clean left hooks.
- Maintaining composure despite Tagnit’s late third-round surge.
Jaismine, a bronze medallist at the Commonwealth Games, said:
“I focused on sticking to my technique and not letting her aggressive style throw me off. Each round is a learning curve towards my goal.”
Lakshya Chahar Impresses in Men’s Welterweight
India’s Lakshya Chahar (67kg) continued his impressive rise by defeating Uzbekistan’s Sherzodbek Abdujabborov via split decision (3-2). The closely contested bout saw Lakshya:
- Countering powerful Uzbek attacks with quick uppercuts.
- Scoring crucial points in the final round with effective body shots.
- Demonstrating improved defensive skills, avoiding potential knockdowns.
Lakshya’s quarterfinal bout will be against Cuba’s Roniel Iglesias, an Olympic gold medallist, marking a huge test for the young Indian.
Manish Kaushik Faces Shock Early Exit
However, it was disappointment for Manish Kaushik (63.5kg), who crashed out after losing to Russia’s Vsevolod Shumkov via unanimous decision (0-5). Despite his experience, Manish struggled to:
- Penetrate Shumkov’s high guard.
- Match the Russian’s hand speed and footwork.
- Execute his inside game, as Shumkov kept distance effectively.
This loss puts a dent in his comeback campaign as he aims for selection in upcoming Asian qualifiers.
India’s Overall Performance So Far
| Boxer | Weight Category | Opponent | Result | Next Opponent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sakshi Choudhary | 57kg | Giulia Vandi (ITA) | Won 5-0 | Zhaina Shekerbekova (KAZ) |
| Jaismine Lamboria | 60kg | Ibtissam Tagnit (MAR) | Won 4-1 | TBC |
| Lakshya Chahar | 67kg | Sherzodbek Abdujabborov (UZB) | Won 3-2 | Roniel Iglesias (CUB) |
| Manish Kaushik | 63.5kg | Vsevolod Shumkov (RUS) | Lost 0-5 | – |
Coaches React to Performance
Head coach CA Kuttappa praised the team’s preparation and adaptability:
“Sakshi and Jaismine executed their plans perfectly. Lakshya showed great maturity under pressure. Manish’s loss is disappointing, but we will analyse and regroup.”
Upcoming Hurdles for Indian Boxers
The quarterfinal stage will be critical, as victories here assure medals and crucial ranking points for Paris Olympics qualification. Key focus areas for Indian boxers include:
- Maintaining stamina in later rounds, as many bouts have gone the distance.
- Improving guard against counterpunchers, particularly against Cuban and Kazakh opponents.
- Adapting strategies mid-bout, which has been a strength for Jaismine but a challenge for Manish.
Global Reactions and Expert Views
Fans praised the Indian women’s performances on social media:
- “Sakshi is becoming unstoppable. Paris 2028 will be her big stage.”
- “Jaismine’s footwork is elite. She’s boxing smart, not just aggressive.”
Meanwhile, international boxing analysts pointed out:
- Eurosport Analyst: “Lakshya is emerging as a serious contender in the welterweight division. His bout against Iglesias will be a career-defining test.”
Final Takeaway
The World Boxing Cup 2025 continues to be an exciting campaign for Indian boxing, with three strong medal contenders advancing to the quarterfinals. As Sakshi, Jaismine, and Lakshya gear up for tougher challenges ahead, the nation’s hopes remain high for a multi-medal finish in this prestigious global event.
Disclaimer: Results and bout schedules are as per official World Boxing Cup updates as of July 2025. Follow AIBA and Boxing Federation of India for real-time results and match timings.
