World No. 1 Minakshi, Deepak to Lead India’s Campaign at World Boxing Cup 2026 Stage 2 in China

India will head into the World Boxing Cup 2026 Stage 2 in Guiyang, China, with a strong and balanced squad led by World No. 1 Minakshi and experienced campaigner Deepak as the country continues its push towards becoming a global boxing powerhouse.

Scheduled to be held from June 15 to June 21, the tournament represents another important opportunity for Indian boxers to collect valuable ranking points and maintain the momentum built through a series of impressive performances on the international stage over the past year.

The Boxing Federation of India (BFI) on Friday announced an 18-member squad comprising nine men and nine women for the prestigious event. The selected contingent combines established stars with promising young talent, reflecting the growing depth that has become a hallmark of Indian boxing in recent years.

India enters the tournament in a position of strength. The country currently ranks third globally in terms of overall Top 10-ranked athletes and has emerged as one of the most consistent performers across major international competitions. In women’s boxing, India stands second overall and leads the world in terms of athletes ranked inside the global Top 3, underlining its growing dominance at the elite level.

Leading the women’s challenge will be Minakshi, who currently holds the World No. 1 ranking in the 51kg category. The Indian boxer has enjoyed a remarkable rise in recent seasons and will once again carry significant expectations into the competition.

Minakshi will be joined by a talented women’s squad featuring Poonam (54kg), Prachi (57kg), Mahi Lama (60kg), Saneh (65kg), Gitimoni G (70kg), Sanamacha C (75kg), Naina (80kg) and Alfiya Tarannum Akram Khan Pathan (+80kg).

The lineup offers India representation across every women’s weight category and showcases the impressive depth developed through the country’s high-performance boxing system.

Several members of the squad have enjoyed strong recent results at continental and international events, giving India realistic medal hopes across multiple divisions.

On the men’s side, Deepak will spearhead India’s campaign in the 70kg category. One of the more experienced names in the squad, Deepak brings valuable international exposure and leadership to a relatively young team.

Supporting him are Rishi S (50kg), Nikhil (55kg), Anmol (60kg), Abhinash Jamwal (65kg), Malsawmtluanga (80kg), Jugnoo (85kg), Harsh Choudhary (90kg) and Sawan G (+90kg).

The men’s squad includes several boxers who have consistently featured in international competitions over the last two seasons and have steadily climbed the world rankings through strong performances.

Abhinash Jamwal, in particular, has emerged as one of India’s most promising prospects, while Harsh Choudhary and Jugnoo have also produced encouraging results at major international tournaments.

The upcoming World Boxing Cup will provide another important test against some of the world’s best boxers as India continues preparations for a busy competitive season.

Speaking about the squad and India’s growing presence in world boxing, Boxing Federation of India President Ajay Singh expressed confidence in the country’s development pathway.

“The World Boxing Cup is an important platform for our athletes to test themselves against top international competition. The systems and structures we have put in place are now consistently translating into results, with strong performances across weight categories,” Singh said.

“We are seeing depth like never before, and this consistency is helping India establish itself as one of the leading boxing nations in the world.”

His remarks reflect the transformation Indian boxing has undergone in recent years. From producing a handful of elite athletes, India now boasts competitive boxers across almost every weight category in both the men’s and women’s divisions.

The results have been evident on the international stage.

Indian boxers have consistently secured medals at various stages of the World Boxing Cup circuit, while also producing strong performances at the World Championships and other elite tournaments. These achievements have helped elevate India’s standing in the global rankings and reinforced the country’s reputation as an emerging boxing superpower.

Preparation for the World Boxing Cup has been centred around the national training camp, where athletes have focused on refining technical skills, improving fitness levels and sharpening tactical execution.

Coaches have placed particular emphasis on adapting strategies for international opposition, ensuring that the boxers are ready to compete against a diverse range of styles and opponents in China.

The tournament in Guiyang will serve as an important benchmark as athletes continue their journey towards larger goals on the international calendar. With ranking points, international exposure and momentum all at stake, the event offers significant value beyond the medal tally.

For Minakshi, Deepak and the rest of the Indian squad, the objective will be clear: continue the country’s upward trajectory and further establish India among the world’s leading boxing nations.

With a blend of world-class performers, rising stars and proven international medal contenders, India heads to China with genuine expectations of another successful outing on the global stage.