Asian Champion Vishvanath Suresh, Futures Cup Gold Medallist Chandrika Pujari Lead India's Challenge at U-19 & U-23 Asian Boxing Championships

India's next generation of boxing stars is set to take centre stage as the U-19 & U-23 Asian Boxing Championships 2026 gets underway in Jakarta, Indonesia, on July 3. 

The Boxing Federation of India (BFI) has announced a strong contingent across both age groups, with reigning Asian Champion Vishvanath Suresh and World Boxing Futures Cup gold medallist Chandrika Bhoresh Pujari leading the country's medal hopes.

The continental championships provide one of the most important platforms for young boxers to gain international experience and establish themselves before making the transition to senior-level competition. With a balanced squad featuring proven performers and promising newcomers, India will be aiming for another successful campaign on the Asian stage.

India's biggest medal prospect in the U-23 men's competition is Vishvanath Suresh, who enters the tournament as the reigning Asian Champion in the 50kg category. The young boxer has established himself as one of India's brightest prospects after consistently delivering strong performances at the continental level. His experience and success make him one of the favourites in his weight category and a key figure in India's campaign.

Joining Vishvanath in the men's U-23 squad are several talented boxers, including Ganga (55kg), Sagar Jakhar (60kg), Vanshaj (65kg), Hitesh (70kg), Neeraj (75kg), Aryan Malik (80kg), Rocky Chaudhary (85kg), Hemant Sangwan (90kg) and Ishan Kataria (+90kg). The squad offers representation across every weight division, giving India opportunities to challenge for medals throughout the tournament.

The U-19 girls' team will be spearheaded by Chandrika Bhoresh Pujari, who recently captured gold at the World Boxing Futures Cup. Competing in the 51kg category, Chandrika has emerged as one of India's most exciting young female boxers through a series of impressive international performances. She will be joined by an equally talented group featuring Gunjan (48kg), Chirom Joyshree Devi (54kg), Prachi (57kg), Chahat (60kg), Vanshika (65kg), Lakshu (70kg), Anshika (75kg), Megha Sheokand (80kg) and Prachi Tokas (+80kg).

The squad reflects India's growing depth in women's boxing, an area in which the country has consistently performed well over the past decade.

India has also named a balanced women's U-23 team capable of challenging for podium finishes. The squad is led by Nidhi (48kg) and Tanu (51kg), while Nisha (54kg) and Prachi (57kg) provide additional experience in the lighter divisions. The remaining squad includes Nikita Chand (60kg), Kajal (65kg), Shivani (70kg), Muskan (75kg), Naina (80kg) and Priyanka (+80kg).

With quality representation across all weight categories, India will be aiming to build on its recent success in age-group women's boxing.

The U-19 boys' squad also boasts considerable talent. Leading the challenge are Lairenlakpam Ambekar Meetei (50kg), Aditya (55kg) and Sikander (60kg), alongside Mausam Suhag (65kg), Prashant (70kg), Devendra Chaudhary (75kg), Lokesh (80kg), Sagar (85kg), Shubham Rajput (90kg) and Loven Gulia (+90kg). Many of these boxers have impressed at national championships and development camps, earning the opportunity to compete against Asia's best young talent.

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Speaking ahead of the championships, BFI President Ajay Singh described the U-19 and U-23 Asian Championships as an important stepping stone for young athletes aspiring to compete at the senior level. He said the federation continues to witness increasing depth across weight categories and believes the selected squad represents the future of Indian boxing.

Ajay Singh added that providing regular international exposure remains central to BFI's long-term strategy of building consistency and preparing athletes for elite-level competition.

The Indian contingent heads into the tournament after an intensive national training camp focused on improving technical skills, tactical awareness and physical conditioning. The coaching staff has worked extensively on refining ring strategy, defensive movement and match-specific preparation to ensure the athletes are ready for the demands of continental competition.

Such structured preparation has played a major role in India's growing success at international youth events in recent years.

Indian boxing has enjoyed remarkable progress over the last few seasons across junior and youth competitions. Consistent medal-winning performances at the Asian Championships, World Youth Championships and Futures Cup have highlighted the strength of India's talent development programme. The emergence of boxers such as Vishvanath Suresh and Chandrika Bhoresh Pujari reflects the effectiveness of this pathway, with both athletes already establishing themselves among the continent's leading young competitors.

The U-19 and U-23 Asian Championships now offer another opportunity for India's next generation to continue that upward trajectory.

With strong representation across both men's and women's competitions, India enters the championships with realistic medal ambitions in several weight categories. Experienced performers like Vishvanath Suresh and Chandrika Bhoresh Pujari are expected to lead the challenge, while several younger boxers will be eager to make their mark on the continental stage.

A successful campaign in Jakarta would further strengthen India's reputation as one of Asia's emerging boxing powers and provide valuable momentum for these athletes as they progress towards senior international competition. As the championships begin on July 3, Indian fans will be hoping the country's talented young boxers can deliver another memorable performance and return home with a rich medal haul.