In a display of raw talent and tactical brilliance, India’s junior boxers made waves at the 2026 Asian Boxing Championships for Under-15 and Under-17 categories in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
The Under-17 boys led the charge: Yash Yadav (50kg) dismantled Turkmenistan’s Suleman Ahmedov with a flawless 5:0 scoreline. Karuna Albertson Kom (60kg) impressed with a 4:1 edge over Tajikistan’s Ali Nazrov, blending power and precision.
Challenges arose for Gopal Rameswar Ganesh (52kg), who lost 2:3 to Tajikistan’s Nazrov Damir in a razor-close fight. Prashant Mishra (57kg) met his match against China’s Tangji Liu, succumbing 0:5.
Shifting to Under-15 girls’ quarterfinals, Khushi Rana (49kg) forced an RSC stoppage against Vietnam’s Ngoc Truc Nguyen right from the opening round. Hansika Atri (46kg) was untouchable, winning 5:0 versus Uzbekistan’s Visola Bakhtiyorova. Nitya Pandey (55kg) put up a valiant effort but was defeated by Kazakhstan’s Aruna Shaiman.
Sameer Bohra (43kg) in Under-15 boys powered to a 5:0 win over Chinese Taipei’s Hao-Ting Chang in the early rounds.
The Under-17 Indian girls exploded onto the scene with five victories on debut day. Neela Narendra Kumar (46kg) clinched an RSC in round one against Saudi Arabia’s Khalid Alhosah. Daksh Panwar (48kg) fought fiercely but lost 0:5 to Tajikistan’s Firuzjon Boymatov.
This tournament highlights India’s emerging boxing prowess, with young fighters proving their mettle on the continental stage and promising a bright future for the sport in the country.
