Lovlina Borgohain and Nikhat Zareen lead India’s boxing team at World Championships

Lovlina Borgohain and Nikhat Zareen will lead a 20-member Indian boxing contingent at the World Boxing Championships 2025 in Liverpool, following a strong performance at the World Boxing Cups earlier this year

Hyderabad: Olympic medalist Lovlina Borgohain and two-time World Champion Nikhat Zareen will lead a 20-member Indian boxing contingent at the inaugural World Boxing Championships 2025 in Liverpool, set to take place from September 4 to 14 at the M&S Bank Arena.

This biennial event will bring together the finest amateur boxers from across the globe, with India heading into the competition in strong form after a successful outing at the World Boxing Cups in Brazil and Kazakhstan earlier this year.

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At the World Boxing Cup in Brazil, the Indian team clinched six medals, including a gold from Hitesh and a silver from Abhinash Jamwal, along with four bronze medals. At the World Boxing Cup in Kazakhstan, India added 11 more medals to its tally, including three golds. The country also showcased its strength across various categories, with Nupur Sheoran winning gold in the heavyweight division.

“Our preparation in Sheffield has been nothing short of exceptional. This team is a powerful mix of seasoned campaigners, who have stood on the podium before, and a new wave of incredibly talented young boxers who are ready to make their mark,” said Dharmendra Singh Yadav, coach of the men’s team.

Dr. Chandralal, coach of the women’s team, emphasized the dedication of the athletes, saying, “The hard work and commitment I’ve seen from this team are truly inspiring. We’ve laid the groundwork, and now we are ready to showcase the true fighting spirit of Indian women’s boxing.”

The Indian squad for the World Boxing Championships features the experienced and decorated Lovlina Borgohain (75 kg) and Nikhat Zareen (51 kg), who bring technical mastery and global exposure. The team also includes medal-winning athletes such as Hitesh (70 kg), Abhinash (65 kg), Nupur (80+ kg), Pooja Rani (80 kg), Minakshi (48 kg), Sakshi (54 kg), Jaismine (57 kg), Sanju (60 kg), Neeraj Phogat (65 kg), and T. Sanamacha Chanu (70 kg).

In addition to these established stars, the squad is reinforced by emerging male talents like Jadumani Singh Mandengbam (50 kg), Pawan Bartwal (55 kg), Sachin (60 kg), Sumit (75 kg), Lakshya Chahar (80 kg), Jugnoo (85 kg), Harsh Choudhary (90 kg), and Narender (90+ kg), underscoring India’s strength and versatility across all weight categories.

The athletes completed a high-intensity training camp in Sheffield from August 18 to September 1, 2025, under the guidance of head coaches as well as support coaches Oinam Geeta Chanu, Leishangthem Radia Devi, Mohammed Aitesamuddin, Abhishek Sah, Torak Kharpran, and Jaisingh Dyandev Patil. Physiotherapists Sumya Jyoti Halder and Alok Kumar, along with doctor Yesha Vijaykumar Patel, ensured the team’s optimal fitness and well-being throughout the camp.