Need to reach next level and ensure Olympic medals: BFI president after India’s successful WBFC campaign
Taking heart from the extraordinary performance of the Indian boxers at the World Boxing Cup Finals (WBCF) in Greater Noida, the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) looked to build on the success to achieve bigger glory.
BFI president Ajay Singh said no stone would be left unturned to help Indian boxers win medals in the 2026 Commonwealth Games, 2026 Asian Games and 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
“We need to go to the next level. We have to ensure that our athletes win Olympic medals,” said Singh at a function organised to honour India’s WBCF medallists (nine gold, six silver and five bronze) in New Delhi on Friday.
Singh said hiring the best coaching personnel, grooming multiple boxers in each weight category, and launching a talent hunt to increase bench strength in certain weights would be among the priorities.
World champions Minakshi Hooda (48kg) and Jaismine Lamboria (57kg) credited teamwork for the Indian boxers’ success.
Two-time World champion Nikhat Zareen (51kg) assured all that she would continue her good work.
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For promising boxers Preeti Pawar (54kg), Parveen Hooda (60kg) and Arundhati Choudhary (70kg), who overcame adverse situations to make international returns, winning gold was a confidence-booster.
Worlds silver medallist Nupur Sheoran (80+kg) said she could now sleep well after getting a gold.
Another title winner, Sachin Siwach (60kg), was all smiles to record his best-ever show at the elite level. “I worked on my movement. I want to rectify other mistakes and improve for the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games,” said Sachin.
For Hitesh Gulia (70kg), his gold was a result of his hard work.
Lauding the medal winners, women’s coach D. Chandralal said even those who lost early did well against tougher opponents.
Men’s coach Dharmendra Yadav said the boxers should show their intent at training. “The coaches can only take the horse to the water,” said Yadav.
Published on Nov 21, 2025