India's Boxing Contingent Triumphs with Nine Gold Medals at BOXAM Elite International 2026
In a commanding display of skill and determination, India's boxing team concluded the BOXAM Elite International 2026 tournament with an impressive haul of nine gold medals, establishing themselves as the most successful nation at the event. The competition, held in Spain, featured over 200 boxers from 20 countries, providing a crucial early-season test for athletes preparing for a demanding international calendar.
Women Boxers Lead the Charge with Perfect Final Day
The Indian women's team set an extraordinary benchmark on the final day of the tournament, participating in seven elite women's finals and emerging victorious in every single one. This remarkable achievement included an all-Indian title clash in the 54kg division, showcasing the depth of talent within the national program.
Manju Rani (48kg) and Nitu (51kg) kicked off the gold rush with unanimous decision wins over Spanish opponents Marta Lopez and Noelia Gutierrez, respectively. The 54kg category saw Poonam edge past compatriot Preeti in a closely contested final, demonstrating the competitive spirit within the team.
Priya (60kg) and Arundhati Choudhary (70kg) continued the dominance with commanding 5:0 victories over Ukrainian boxers. Olympic medallist Lovlina Borgohain (75kg) displayed her trademark control and composure to defeat England's Mary-Kate Smith with a 4:1 decision. Naina (80kg) completed the women's sweep with a measured win over Ukraine's Raisa Piskun.
Men's Team Contributes Crucial Gold Medals
The Indian men's team also delivered strong performances, adding to the medal tally with crucial gold medals in key weight categories. Sachin (60kg) produced one of the tournament's most gripping performances, narrowly defeating Canada's Keoma-Ali Al Ahmadieh with a 3:2 decision in a tense final.
Akash (75kg) secured another gold medal for India after a hard-fought 3:2 victory over Kazakhstan's Aman Konsbekov. While Deepak (70kg) and Ankush (80kg) settled for silver medals after facing strong opposition from Kazakhstan and Ukraine respectively, their performances contributed to India's overall team success.
Official Reactions and Future Prospects
Ajay Singh, President of the Boxing Federation of India (BFI), expressed satisfaction with the team's performance, stating, "BOXAM Elite offered exactly the kind of exposure we were seeking at this stage of the season, including strong international opposition, depth across weight categories, and high-pressure bouts. The performances in Spain, particularly the conversion rate in finals, reflect the progress of our programme."
Singh added, "With a demanding year ahead, this tournament has been a valuable step in preparing our boxers for the challenges to come. Congratulations to the entire contingent on an outstanding campaign."
Santiago Nieva, Indian women's head coach, praised the discipline and confidence shown by the women's team. "This was an exceptional showing from the women, not just in terms of medals, but in how they boxed with discipline, clarity, and confidence. Reaching seven finals and winning all seven speaks volumes about the work being done across the system," he remarked.
Nieva also highlighted the collective environment within the team, noting, "Credit also goes to the entire Indian team, the men and women pushed each other throughout the tournament, and that collective environment is key to sustained success."
Tournament Significance and Looking Ahead
The BOXAM Elite International 2026 tournament served as an important preparatory event for Indian boxers as they build momentum toward major international championships and multi-sport events scheduled throughout the year. India's final medal tally of nine gold, three silver, and seven bronze medals demonstrates the comprehensive strength of the national boxing program across both men's and women's divisions.
This successful campaign in Spain provides valuable momentum as the Indian boxing contingent prepares for upcoming challenges on the international stage, with athletes across weight categories showing promising form and competitive readiness.
