Indian boxing team leaves for Montenegro, eyes all-round medal haul

India's 18-member boxing contingent has departed for Budva, Montenegro, to compete in the second edition of the World U-19 Boxing Championships with the aim of winning medals across all participating weight categories.

Hyderabad: An 18-member Indian boxing contingent left for Budva, Montenegro on Wednesday morning determined to clinch medals in all weight categories they will be participating in the second edition of the World U-19 Boxing Championships 2026 and maintain their position as one of the top boxing nations in the world.

India had finished second behind England in the inaugural edition of the world championships in Pueblo, Colorado, in the US two years ago by clinching four gold, eight silver and five bronze for a total of 17 medals.

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The Indian contingent for the second edition consists of gold and silver medallists from the Asian U-19 Boxing Championships held in Jakarta earlier this year and winners of the selection trials conducted in other weight categories.

“We have a very strong contingent going to Montenegro and almost every player in the squad has been performing exceptionally well throughout the year. I am confident that we can win a medal in most weight categories and hopefully improve our gold medal count from two years ago,” Boxing Federation of India President Ajay Singh said while wishing the contingent the very best.

India had won two gold, eight silver and four bronze medals in the Asian U-19 championships and leading the charge in the women’s category would be Asian U-19 gold medallist Prachi (57kg) along with silver medallists Joyshree Devi Chirom (54kg), Chahat (60kg) Anshika (75kg), Megha Sheokand (80kg) and Prachi Tokas (80+kg).

The men’s squad comprises Asian U-19 silver medallist Aditya (55kg) and Dhruv (90kg) along with the experienced Mausam Suhag.

Women: Himanshi (48kg), Joyshree Devi Chirom (54kg), Prachi (57kg), Chahat (60kg), Harshika (65kg), Lakshu (70kg), Anshika (75kg), Megha Sheokand (80kg), Prachi Tokas (80+kg)

Men: Aman Dev (50kg), Aditya (55kg), Shivam (60kg), Mausam Suhag (65kg), Prashant (70kg), Lokesh (80kg), Tridev (85kg), Dhruv (90kg), Krish (90+kg).