(PC: Dainikbhaskar)
In a moment of immense pride for India, 24-year-old Minakshi Hooda has etched her name in the annals of boxing history by clinching the gold medal in the women’s 48kg category at the World Boxing Championships in Liverpool. Her triumph marks a significant milestone, not only for her burgeoning career but also for Indian boxing, as she becomes the first Indian woman to claim the world title in this non-Olympic weight category. This victory, celebrated widely on social media, including an Instagram post by viralbhayani, underscores India’s growing prowess on the global sporting stage.
A Dominant Performance in Liverpool
Minakshi’s journey to the top was nothing short of spectacular. Competing in the quarterfinals, the lanky pugilist showcased her technical brilliance against England’s U-19 world champion, Alice Pumphrey. Opting for a strategic backfoot approach, Minakshi leveraged her long reach to dominate the bout from the outset. Her precise straight shots and effective counter-attacks left Pumphrey struggling to respond, resulting in a unanimous decision victory for the Indian boxer. This win guaranteed India at least a bronze medal, but Minakshi’s relentless drive propelled her further to the coveted gold.Her tactical acumen and composure under pressure were evident throughout the tournament. By maintaining distance and capitalizing on her reach, Minakshi controlled the pace of her fights, landing clean punches while evading her opponents’ advances. Her performance in the semifinals and final further solidified her reputation as a formidable force in the ring, culminating in her historic world championship title.
India’s Medal Haul Bolstered by Women’s Brigade
Minakshi’s gold medal is part of a remarkable campaign by India’s women boxers at the World Championships. Prior to her victory, Jasmin Lamboria (57kg), Nupur Shyoran (+80kg), and Pooja Rani (80kg) had already secured their spots in the semifinals of their respective weight categories, ensuring at least three additional medals for India. This collective success highlights the depth of talent in Indian women’s boxing and signals a bright future for the sport in the country.However, the men’s campaign at the championships concluded on a disappointing note. For the first time in 12 years, India’s male boxers failed to secure a podium finish, with Jadumani Singh Mandengbam bowing out in the quarterfinals. Despite this setback, Minakshi’s triumph and the women’s stellar performances have kept India’s flag flying high.
A Star on the Rise
Minakshi Hooda’s victory is not just a personal achievement but a testament to the resilience and determination of Indian athletes. Hailing from humble beginnings, the 24-year-old has overcome numerous challenges to reach the pinnacle of her sport. Her journey resonates with millions of aspiring athletes across the country, serving as an inspiration for the next generation of boxers.As India celebrates Minakshi’s historic gold, the nation also looks forward to the continued success of its women boxers. With four medals already assured, including Minakshi’s glittering gold, the World Boxing Championships have reaffirmed India’s growing stature in the sport. The young champion’s triumph is a beacon of hope and a reminder that with talent, hard work, and determination, Indian athletes can shine brightly on the world stage.