World Champion Minakshi, two-time world champion Nikhat Zareen, and Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist Lovlina Borgohain started their campaign with victories at the Elite Men and Women National Boxing Championships held at Gautam Buddha University in Greater Noida. This year marks the first time the men’s and women’s National Championships are taking place concurrently at the same venue, with 600 boxers competing in 10 weight categories for each gender.
Nikhat Zareen, representing Telangana in the 48-51kg category, defeated Nidhi of Chandigarh with a score of 5:0, while Minakshi in the 45-48kg category secured a similar victory over V Lakshaya S Vijayan from Tamil Nadu. Lovlina Borgohain faced little resistance in the women’s 70-75kg category, triumphing over Krisha Verma by unanimous decision.
In the men’s events, Sagar in the 47-50kg category overcame Ashutosh 5:0, and Sumit in the 70-75kg category also won by the same margin against Arshpreet Singh. Young talent Hitesh in the 65-70kg category displayed dominance with a 5-0 win over Ankit. Sachin emerged victorious in the 55-60kg weight category with a 5:0 win over Tushar, while Ankush in the 50-55kg category defeated Suraj Bhan by an identical margin.
The competition saw 2018 Asian Games gold medalist Amit Panghal of SSCB and Sagar of Haryana securing wins in the Elite Men and Women National Boxing Championships. Amit excelled in the Bantamweight category against Usman Mohd Sultan from Bihar, winning by unanimous decision. Sagar faced a tough challenge from Edwin of Kerala in the heavyweight category but managed to secure victory by a split decision.
Notable participants in the Nationals include reigning World Champion Jaismine, World Championships bronze medalists Pooja Rani and Parveen, former World Champion Nitu Ghanghas, and Asian Games bronze medalist Preeti Pawar among women. In the men’s section, competitors include World Boxing Cup Finals gold medalist Hitesh and Sachin, World Boxing Cup Finals silver medalist Abhinash Jamwal, and Asian Games bronze medalist Narender Berwal.
The Nationals have strict eligibility criteria, with each member association sending a maximum of 10 male and 10 female boxers. Athletes who took part in the World Boxing Cup Finals in Noida in November 2025 have received direct entry into the nationals. Only boxers born between January 1, 1985, and December 31, 2006, are allowed to compete.
Following the Nationals, all medalists in Olympic weight categories will be invited to the national camp. Additionally, only gold and silver medalists from non-Olympic weight categories will be included in the camp.
