Punjab Newsline,Sports :
Strong performances in La Nucia put India on top with most finalists; one gold already assured
India delivered another commanding display on the penultimate day of the BOXAM Elite International 2026, as 12 Indian boxers booked their places in the finals. The contingent includes eight women and four men, making India the most represented nation on finals day. With an all-Indian clash confirmed in one category, India is assured of at least one gold medal.
The men’s challenge was led by Sachin in the 60kg category, who continued his impressive run with a dominant victory over England’s Jack Dryden. Displaying sharp technique and control throughout the bout, Sachin comfortably secured his spot in the final. In the women’s section, Olympic medallist Lovlina Borgohain (75kg) underlined her class with a unanimous decision win over Wales’ Rosie Eccles to advance to the gold-medal bout.
The prestigious tournament, being held in La Nucia, Alicante, has seen participation from over 200 boxers representing 20 nations. India’s 12 finalists put them ahead of boxing powerhouses Kazakhstan (11 finalists), Ukraine (5), and hosts Spain (4). The Elite Women’s 54kg final will be an all-Indian affair, with Preeti and Poonam set to face each other, ensuring a gold medal for India in the category.
India’s women boxers continued their dominant run with authoritative semifinal victories across multiple weight divisions. Manju Rani (48kg), Nitu (51kg), Priya (60kg), Arundhati Choudhary (70kg), and Naina (80kg) all advanced to the finals with convincing performances, highlighting India’s depth, preparation, and consistency in the women’s competition.
In the men’s draw, India added three more finalists through strong showings by Deepak (70kg), Akash (75kg), and Ankush (80kg). Deepak produced one of the standout moments of the day by forcing a first-round RSC against Kazakhstan’s World Boxing Cup Finals silver medallist Nurbek Mursal. Akash and Ankush also impressed as they overcame tough Kazakh opponents to seal their places in the finals.
India’s campaign also featured several podium finishes, with boxers settling for bronze medals after semifinal exits. In the women’s category, Pranjal Yadav (65kg), Kajal (65kg), Sanamacha Chanu (75kg), and Mankirat Kaur (80+kg) claimed bronze. On the men’s side, Jadumani Singh (55kg), Mohammed Hussam Uddin (60kg), and Hitesh Gulia (70kg) also finished with bronze medals, adding to India’s strong overall showing at the tournament.