Thailand Open Boxing 2025: Sanju MS, Pawan Bartwal Cruise into Next Round with Commanding Wins

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Thailand Open Boxing 2025: India's boxing contingent roared to life at the 4th Thailand Open International Boxing Tournament, with Sanju MS and Pawan Bartwal delivering emphatic performances to storm into the next rounds of their respective categories on Saturday.

Making her mark in the women's 60kg division, National Games bronze medallist Sanju MS left no room for ambiguity as she dominated Japan's Sarii Kokufu in a one-sided bout that ended in a resounding 5:0 verdict in her favour.

The 25-year-old, who transitioned from kickboxing to traditional boxing, brought her trademark aggression into the ring and wasted no time asserting her authority. Sanju launched her offensive from the opening bell, peppering Kokufu with rapid-fire punches.

The Japanese boxer was visibly shaken midway through the first round, prompting the referee to halt the action briefly as Kokufu's headgear needed adjustment. But there was no respite for the Japanese. Sanju continued her relentless assault in the second round, forcing a standing count from the referee. With the momentum firmly on her side, the Indian pugilist cruised through the third round to book her spot in the quarterfinals with clinical precision.

"I came here with the aim of proving myself on the international stage," said Sanju after her win. "I knew if I stuck to my aggressive style, the result would follow. Today's bout was just the beginning."

Earlier in the day, Army man and National silver medallist Pawan Bartwal showed both grit and guile in his opening round bout in the men's 55kg category. Up against home favourite Thanarat Saengphet, Bartwal started with a measured approach. The Thai boxer edged the early exchanges with marginally more aggression, but the Indian soon shifted gears.

The second round saw a transformed Bartwal as he let his hands go with sharp one-two combinations, catching his opponent off guard. By the third round, it was a tactical battle, but Bartwal's smart counterpunching and solid defence ensured he stayed ahead. The judges awarded him a well-deserved 4:1 verdict, much to the delight of the Indian corner.

"It wasn't easy fighting in front of a home crowd," Bartwal said. "But I stuck to my plan-attack when the moment was right and defend with discipline. It paid off."

However, the day wasn't entirely in India's favour. Three of the country's male boxers-Nikhil (60kg), Amit Kumar (65kg), and Hemant Yadav (70kg)-suffered defeats in their respective opening round bouts. Nikhil lost 0:5 to Japan's Nakayama Sota, Amit Kumar was outclassed 0:5 by the Philippines' Mark Ashley Fajardo, and Hemant Yadav fell to Uzbekistan's Ismoilov Mukhammadazizbek by the same margin.

With 19 Indian boxers participating in the prestigious tournament-featuring strong contingents from boxing powerhouses like Kazakhstan, China, Uzbekistan, and South Korea-the early wins by Sanju and Bartwal offer a promising start. As the tournament progresses, India will be hoping for more such spirited performances to bolster their medal tally.