India’s campaign at the World Boxing Cup Kazakhstan 2025 began on a promising note, with Hitesh Gulia, Sachin Siwach, Minakshi and Muskan picking up opening-day wins in Astana on Monday.
Competing at the Beeline Arena, Indian boxers Hitesh Gulia and Sachin Siwach started off with unanimous wins in the men’s light middleweight (70kg) and lightweight boxing (60kg) categories, respectively.
Hitesh Gulia, a gold medallist from the opening leg of the World Boxing Cup in Brazil, outclassed Olympian Kan Chia-Wei of Chinese Taipei 5:0. Sachin, a bronze winner in Brazil, was convincing in his 5:0 win over Canada’s Keoma-Ali Al-Ahmadieh.
In women’s events, Minakshi began her campaign with a clean 5:0 win over Australia’s Madeleine Bowen in the light flyweight (48kg) division.
Meanwhile, Muskan edged England’s Kerry Davis in a closely contested 3:2 decision in the middleweight category (75kg).
Back in April, India had claimed six medals at the previous World Boxing Cup leg in Brazil.
The Indian women did not compete in Brazil. The tournament in Astana is the second of three scheduled events that help boxers accumulate ranking points throughout the year.
The Kazakhstan leg will run until July 7, with over 400 boxers from 31 countries, including Olympians, competing across 10 weight categories in both men’s and women’s divisions. India have sent a 20-member team.
The series will conclude with a final event in India this November, where stage winners and top-ranked boxers will compete for the World Boxing Cup title.