In a remarkable display of skill and determination, Indian boxers managed to clinch an impressive 43 medals at the ASBC Asian U-22 & Youth Boxing Championships 2024 held in Astana, Kazakhstan. Seven U-22 boxers, including Olympic-bound boxer Preeti Dahiya, secured gold medals, contributing to the overall success of the Indian contingent at the event. The team concluded their campaign with a total of 12 gold, 14 silver, and 17 bronze medals, placing them second in the medal tally behind hosts Kazakhstan, who won 48 medals in total.
Vishvanath Suresh, the reigning youth world champion, set the tone for India’s success by winning the country’s first gold medal in the U-22 category in the 48kg weight class. He defeated Kazakhstan’s Karap Yernar 5-0, showcasing his exceptional boxing skills. Following Vishvanath’s victory, Nikhil in the 57kg category secured another gold medal for India with a stoppage win in the third round against Kazakhstan’s Sabyr Yerbolat. Akash Gorkha continued the winning streak by defeating Kazakhstan’s Ruslan Kuzeubayev in the 60kg category, earning India’s third gold medal in the men’s category.
In the women’s category, Preeti Dahiya staged a remarkable comeback after initially trailing 0-5 in the first round. She fought back to secure a 3-0 victory in the final against Kazakhstan’s Bazarova Elina, showcasing her resilience and determination. Other Indian women boxers, including Poonam Poonia, Prachi, and Muskan, also emerged victorious in their respective categories, contributing to the team’s success in securing a total of seven U-22 gold medals.
While some Indian boxers, like Preet Malik, Guddi, Tamanna, Saneh, and Alfiya Pathan, finished their campaigns with silver medals after tough battles in their respective finals, the U-22 team collectively ended with an impressive tally of 21 medals, including seven gold, five silver, and nine bronze medals. The youth category also had its share of champions, with boxers like Brijesh Tamta, Aryan Hooda, Yashwardhan Singh, Laxmi, and Nisha clinching gold medals in their respective weight classes.
The success of Indian boxers at the ASBC Asian U-22 & Youth Boxing Championships 2024 not only showcases the talent and determination of the athletes but also underscores the growing prowess of Indian boxing on the international stage. With a strong performance and a high medal count, Indian boxers have once again proven their mettle and highlighted their potential to excel in the world of boxing. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and skill of the Indian boxing contingent, inspiring future generations of athletes to strive for excellence in the sport.
