Sakshi Stuns World Champ Meenakshi to Book CWG and Asian Games Berths

Patiala erupted in cheers as Sakshi Chaudhary delivered a knockout performance, defeating reigning world and Asian champion Meenakshi Hooda in the 48kg final of the national boxing trials. This triumph propels her into India's teams for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games and Japan's Asian Games later this year. The final bout at NIS Patiala on Friday was a clash of titans. Chaudhary, fresh off her semifinal upset over two-time world champion Nikhat Zareen, adapted seamlessly despite entering in the 51kg trials after her 54kg gold at the Astana World Boxing Cup. Meenakshi, shifting from 51kg, put up a valiant fight but fell short. Winners of the trials secure coveted quotas for the biennial mega-events, while finalists head to the World Boxing Cup in Guiyang, China. Meenakshi's semifinal win over ex-world champion Neetu Ghanghas set the stage for the intense final. Chaudhary's semifinal masterclass against Nikhat—a CWG gold and Asian Games bronze medalist—had already sent shockwaves. Nikhat, denied direct qualification at the Ulaanbaatar Asian Championships by Olympic champ Wu Yu, couldn't overcome the young challenger's aggression. The 51kg category now boasts a youthful Indian representative, with veterans Nikhat and Neetu sidelined. Direct qualifiers include Sachin Siwach (60kg men), Preeti Pawar (54kg women), and Priya Ghanghas (60kg women) from Asian Championships finals. Category-specific successes mark Jasmine Lamboria (57kg women) and Arundhati Chaudhary (70kg women) for CWG only. As India builds momentum, the Commonwealth Games kick off July 23 in Glasgow, paving the way for the Asian Games in September-October. Chaudhary's rise underscores the depth and competitiveness in Indian boxing, promising exciting battles ahead on international arenas.