Jyoti and Aakash Receive Late Call-Up as India Expand World Boxing Cup Squad for Guiyang

The Boxing Federation of India (BFI) has expanded its contingent for the World Boxing Cup 2026 Stage 2 in Guiyang, China, with Jyoti (48kg) and Aakash (75kg) earning late additions to the squad. Their inclusion takes India’s delegation from 18 to 20 boxers, ensuring an equal split of 10 men and 10 women for the prestigious international event.

The move came after BFI President Ajay Singh stepped in to facilitate the participation of the two athletes, who were not part of the final government-sanctioned contingent despite being in contention for the tournament. With the competition set to begin on Monday, the decision provides both boxers with a valuable opportunity to compete against world-class opponents while gaining crucial international experience and ranking points.

According to the BFI, the decision to include Jyoti and Aakash reflects the federation’s commitment to prioritising athlete development and providing deserving boxers with opportunities on the global stage. BFI President Ajay Singh emphasised that international competitions are essential for a boxer’s progression and that athletes who have earned their place should not miss out on valuable exposure.

By facilitating their participation, the federation has ensured that both athletes will now travel to Guiyang and compete alongside the rest of the Indian contingent.

For Jyoti, who will compete in the women’s 48kg category, and Aakash, who will contest the men’s 75kg division, the World Boxing Cup offers much more than just another tournament. Events of this calibre provide athletes with the chance to test themselves against elite international opposition, adapt to different boxing styles and accumulate ranking points that can influence future seeding and qualification pathways.

With major championships such as the Asian Games and Olympic qualification events on the horizon, every international outing becomes an important part of an athlete’s long-term development.

Following the additions, India will field a balanced team consisting of 20 boxers across the men’s and women’s categories.

Women’s Squad (10 Boxers)

• Jyoti (48kg)

• Minakshi (51kg)

• Poonam (54kg)

• Prachi (57kg)

• Mahi Lama (60kg)

• Saneh (65kg)

• Gitimoni G (70kg)

• Sanamacha C (75kg)

• Naina (80kg)

• Alfiya Tarannum Akram Khan Pathan (+80kg)

Men’s Squad (10 Boxers)

• Rishi S (50kg)

• Nikhil (55kg)

• Anmol (60kg)

• Abhinash Jamwal (65kg)

• Deepak (70kg)

• Aakash (75kg)

• Malsawmtluanga (80kg)

• Jugnoo (85kg)

• Harsh Choudhary (90kg)

• Sawan G (+90kg)

The expanded contingent reflects India’s intention to maximise participation across weight categories while providing exposure to both experienced and emerging boxers.

The World Boxing Cup has become an increasingly significant competition on the international calendar, bringing together leading boxers from across the globe. For Indian athletes, participation offers several benefits beyond medal prospects. Facing high-quality opponents helps refine tactical awareness, improve adaptability and expose athletes to the intensity of elite-level competition.

Strong performances can also enhance confidence and contribute to valuable international rankings, which often influence draws and qualification opportunities for future tournaments.

The inclusion of Jyoti and Aakash also highlights the federation’s emphasis on athlete-first decision-making. Rather than limiting opportunities due to administrative circumstances, BFI’s intervention ensures that deserving competitors receive the exposure necessary to continue their progression. This approach is particularly important for younger boxers and those seeking to establish themselves on the international stage, where regular competition against quality opponents can significantly accelerate development.

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India has emerged as one of Asia’s strongest boxing nations over the past decade, producing medal winners at the Olympics, World Championships, Commonwealth Games and Asian Games. Maintaining that momentum requires a steady pipeline of talent capable of transitioning successfully from domestic competitions to the international circuit.

By expanding the squad to include Jyoti and Aakash, the Boxing Federation of India has reinforced its commitment to broadening competitive opportunities and strengthening the nation’s depth across weight categories.

As the World Boxing Cup Stage 2 gets underway in Guiyang, the Indian contingent will look to build on recent successes and deliver strong performances across both the men’s and women’s divisions. For Jyoti and Aakash, the late call-up presents an opportunity to make an immediate impact on the international stage. For the rest of the squad, it offers another chance to test themselves against world-class opposition as preparations continue for bigger events later in the season.

With a full-strength 20-member team now confirmed, India heads to China aiming not only for podium finishes but also for valuable experience that could shape the future of its boxing programme.