India’s women boxers are making headlines at the World Boxing Cup Astana 2025, with Pooja Rani and Minakshi powering their way into the semifinals and guaranteeing medals for the nation. Their victories on Day 3 not only highlight India’s growing strength in international boxing but also set the stage for an exciting finish to the tournament.
Pooja Rani Delivers a Gritty Performance
Olympian Pooja Rani (80kg) showcased her trademark resilience and experience in a tense quarterfinal against Kazakhstan’s Gulsaya Yerzhan. In a bout that tested her tactical acumen and composure, Pooja absorbed early pressure before landing decisive blows in the final rounds. Her efforts were rewarded with a 4:1 split decision victory, booking her place in the semifinals and ensuring at least a bronze medal for India.
Highlights from Pooja Rani’s bout:
- Faced local favorite Gulsaya Yerzhan in front of a home crowd.
- Mixed aggression with control, especially in the later rounds.
- Secured a podium finish and will look to convert it into gold.
Minakshi’s Dominant Display Secures Semifinal Berth
In the light flyweight (48kg) division, Minakshi put on a masterclass against Chinese Taipei’s Guo Yi-Xuan. Displaying sharp footwork, precision punching, and outstanding ring awareness, Minakshi dictated the pace from the opening bell. Her 5:0 unanimous decision left no doubt about her superiority in the ring and ensured India’s second medal of the day.
Key moments from Minakshi’s quarterfinal:
- Outboxed Guo Yi-Xuan with clean, accurate combinations.
- Maintained control throughout, impressing the judges with her technical skills.
- Advanced to the semifinals, guaranteeing a medal.
India’s Momentum Grows in Astana
India’s impressive run at the World Boxing Cup Astana is not limited to these two stars. Earlier in the day, Anamika (51kg) advanced to the quarterfinals with a composed win over Turkey’s Aysen Taskin, keeping India’s hopes alive in another weight category.
Meanwhile, the men’s team saw a narrow defeat for Jadumani Singh (50kg), who lost a close contest to Jay Bryan Baricuatro of the Philippines, but the overall performance of the Indian contingent remains strong.
Day 3: India Among Top Performers
On Day 3, India was among the most successful nations, tying with Kazakhstan and Brazil for the highest number of wins in quarterfinal matchups. This consistency underscores the depth and preparation of the Indian boxing squad.
India’s Day 3 Highlights:
- 6 wins in quarterfinals, matching Kazakhstan’s tally.
- Multiple women’s boxers advancing, boosting medal prospects.
- Strong showings across weight categories.
FAQs: India at World Boxing Cup Astana 2025
Q1: Who are the Indian boxers in the semifinals at the World Boxing Cup Astana?
A: Pooja Rani (80kg) and Minakshi (48kg) have advanced to the semifinals, guaranteeing at least bronze medals for India.
Q2: How did Pooja Rani win her quarterfinal match?
A: Pooja Rani defeated Kazakhstan’s Gulsaya Yerzhan with a 4:1 split decision, using a mix of aggression and tactical control.
Q3: What was notable about Minakshi’s performance?
A: Minakshi dominated her quarterfinal against Guo Yi-Xuan of Chinese Taipei, winning 5:0 with sharp footwork and precise punching.
Q4: Are there other Indian boxers still in contention?
A: Yes, Anamika (51kg) has reached the quarterfinals, and other Indian boxers are competing in various weight categories.
Q5: When does the World Boxing Cup Astana 2025 conclude?
A: The tournament runs until July 7, with semifinals and finals scheduled in the coming days.
Conclusion
India’s campaign at the World Boxing Cup Astana 2025 has gained serious momentum, with Pooja Rani and Minakshi leading the charge into the semifinals. Their assured performances not only guarantee medals but also inspire confidence in India’s boxing prospects on the world stage. As the tournament heads into its final days, all eyes will be on India’s women to see if they can turn bronze into gold.
