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India strike nine golds in World Boxing Cup Finals 2025
MUMBAI: The gloves are off, and India has delivered a championship performance for the history books! In a truly golden statement of global dominance, India’s pugilists scripted history at the World Boxing Cup Finals 2025, held on home turf at the Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex. The host nation clinched an astonishing nine gold medals on a sensational final day, leading to their greatest-ever showing on the world stage.
The women’s contingent led the charge with a historic, near-flawless display, racking up seven titles in key Olympic weight classes, while the men added two more golds to cap off a defining campaign. In total, the 20-strong Indian team ensured every participating boxer took home silverware, finishing with nine gold, six silver, and five bronze medals.
The final day was a golden parade for India’s women. The afternoon session saw victories for Minakshi (48kg), Preeti (54kg), Arundhati Choudhary (70kg), and super-heavyweight Nupur (80 plus kg). Minakshi, who defeated Asian champion Farzona Fozilova 5:0 with blistering pace and airtight defence, declared the medal belonged to “the whole of India.”
The momentum continued into the evening as world champion Nikhat Zareen (51kg), Jaismine Lamboria (57kg), and Parveen (60kg) all stepped onto the top podium.
The highlight was arguably world champion Jaismine Lamboria, who showed swagger and composure to stun Paris Olympic medallist Wu Shih Yi with a tactical 4:1 victory. Meanwhile, two-time world champion Nikhat Zareen dismantled China’s Guo Yi Xuan 5:0 with trademark precision, while Parveen dug deep for a gritty 3:2 triumph over Japan’s Ayaka Taguchi.
The men’s team provided a powerful finish, securing two gold medals. Sachin (60kg) delivered a flawless 5:0 win, blending accuracy and momentum control. However, the most thrilling moment belonged to Hitesh (70kg), who fought back from a first-round deficit to edge Kazakhstan’s Nurbek Mursal 3:2. “I had to go all out in the third round,” a determined Hitesh said after his dramatic victory.
India’s impressive haul was completed by six silver medals, including commendable runs from Jadumani Singh (50kg), Pawan Bartwal (55kg), and Pooja Rani (80kg). The hosts, backed by a roaring home crowd and superb hosting facilities, truly cemented their rising stature in global boxing.
Elsewhere in the tournament, Australia’s Emma-Sue Greentree and Taiwan’s Olympic medallist Chen Nien-Chin secured titles. Uzbekistan, a perennial powerhouse, also dominated several men’s divisions, confirming the finals were truly a showcase of the strongest field in World Boxing Cup history.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
