Two-time youth world champion Sakshi claimed India’s first gold medal at the second World Boxing Cup on Sunday with a dominant performance in the women’s 54kg final.
The 24-year-old Indian boxer overwhelmed the USA’s Yosline Perez, securing a unanimous decision victory after a powerful display of speed, precision and well-timed combination punches.
The tournament, held in Kazakhstan, has so far been rewarding for the Indian team, with the country assured of at least 11 medals. In the earlier Brazil leg of the series, India finished with six medals, including one gold and one silver.
Sakshi was one of four Indian boxers competing in the first session of the finals and was the only one to top the podium. Her clinical win added to India’s growing presence in the global boxing arena.
Meanwhile, Meenakshi narrowly missed out on gold in the 48kg final after a close bout against Kazakhstan’s Nazym Kyzaibay. The local favourite edged her out in a 3-2 split decision.
In the men’s 85kg final, Jugnoo suffered a 0-5 defeat to Kazakhstan’s Bekzad Nurdauletov. In the women’s 80kg category, Pooja Rani also returned with silver after losing by the same margin to Australia’s Eseta Flint.
More Indian boxers are in contention for gold during the evening session. Among them is Hitesh Gulia (men’s 70kg), who won gold in the Brazil leg, along with Abhinash Jamwal (men’s 65kg), Jaismine (women’s 57kg), and Nupur (women’s 85+kg).
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