Boxing: India announce strong 50-member squad for ASBC Asian U-22 & Youth Boxing Championship 2024; Olympic-bound Preeti to spearhead campaign

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Olympic-bound Preeti (54 kg) is set to spearhead India's challenge at the upcoming ASBC Asian U-22 & Youth Boxing Championship 2024, scheduled to be held in Astana, Kazakhstan.

To showcase their boxing prowess, the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) on Wednesday (April 24) announced a formidable 50-member squad in the tournament, to be held between April 27 and May 7.

Preeti, who clinched a bronze medal at the 2022 Asian Games, has emerged as a beacon of excellence in the Indian boxing fraternity. Her inclusion in the squad underscores India's commitment to nurturing and showcasing top-tier talent on the international stage.

Joining Preeti in the U-22 category is Alfiya Pathan (81kg), the former youth world champion and 2022 Asian elite boxing championship gold medalist. Together, they epitomize the strength and depth of India's boxing contingent, poised to make a mark on the global stage.

The squad boasts an impressive lineup of champions, including reigning youth world champions Devika Ghorpade (52kg) and Vishvanath Suresh (48kg), as well as senior national champions Prachi (63kg), Akash Gorkha (60kg), and Jugnoo (86kg). Their stellar performances in domestic and international arenas have earned them a well-deserved spot in the prestigious championship.

The selection process, meticulously conducted through competitive trials held at the Army Institute of Sports Pune and the NCOE Rohtak, reflects BFI's commitment to identifying and nurturing talent from across the country. The chosen boxers have undergone rigorous training and preparation, honing their skills under the guidance of experienced coaches and mentors.

Hemanta Kumar Kalita, Secretary General of the Boxing Federation of India, expressed confidence in the selected squad, highlighting the tournament as a significant opportunity for young boxers to showcase their talents and gain invaluable international exposure. He extended his best wishes to the team, expressing optimism about their ability to bring glory to the nation.

In the youth women's section, reigning junior world champions Nisha (52kg) and Akansha (70kg) will lead India's charge, supported by the formidable presence of Asian youth champion Nikita Chand (60kg). Meanwhile, the youth men's section will feature promising talents such as Jatin (57kg), Sahil (80kg), and Hemant Sangwan (86kg), who have already showcased their potential on the global stage.

The ASBC Asian U-22 & Youth Boxing Championship 2024 promises to be a riveting affair, with over 400 boxers from more than 24 countries vying for medals across 25 weight categories. The tournament not only serves as a platform for fierce competition but also as a celebration of the enduring spirit of boxing, transcending borders and cultures.

For enthusiasts eager to witness the action unfold, the matches will be streamed live on the Asian Boxing Confederation (ASBC) YouTube channel.

India Youth Squad:

Men: Brijesh Tamta (48kg), Aryan (51kg), Jitesh (54kg), Jatin (57kg), Sagar Jakhar (60kg), Yashwardhan Singh (63.5kg), Sumit (67kg), Priyanshu (71kg), Rahul Kundu (75kg), Sahil (80kg), Hemant Sangwan (86kg), Aryan (92kg), Lakshay Rathi (+92kg).

Women: Annu (48kg), Laxmi (50kg), Nisha (52kg), Tamanna (54kg), Yatri Patel (57kg), Nikita Chand (60kg), Shrushti Sathe (63kg), Parthavi Grewal (66kg), Akansha Phalaswal (70kg), Rudrika (75kg), Khushi Pooniya (81kg), Nirjhara Bana (+81kg).

India U 22 Squad:

Men: Vishvanath Suresh (48kg), Jadumani Singh M (51kg), Ashish (54kg), Nikhil (57kg), Akash Gorkha (60kg), Ajay Kumar (63.5kg), Preet Malik (67kg), Ankush (71kg), Kunal (75kg), Dhruv Singh (80kg), Jugnoo (86kg), Yuvraj (92kg), Rhythm (+92kg).

Women: Guddi (48kg), Tammana (50kg), Devika Ghorpade (52kg), Preeti (54kg), Poonam (57kg), Priyanka (60kg), Prachi (63kg), Kajal Devi A (66kg), Saneh (70kg), Muskan (75kg), Alfiya Pathan (81kg), Ritika (81+kg).