Punjab Newsline,Sports:
BOXAM Elite set to be India’s first major overseas test ahead of Commonwealth and Asian Games preparations
India has laid out its intent for the international season with the announcement of a strong 33-member men’s and women’s squad for the BOXAM Elite International 2026. World Boxing Cup Finals champions Hitesh Gulia and Sachin Siwach, along with Olympic medallist Lovlina Borgohain, will headline the Indian contingent at the prestigious tournament to be held in La Nucia, Alicante, Spain.
The competition will mark India’s first major overseas boxing assignment of the year and is being seen as a crucial preparatory event ahead of the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games scheduled later in 2026. The tournament is expected to provide valuable international exposure and help the coaching staff assess combinations and readiness against top global opponents.
The squad was announced by the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) following the conclusion of the 9th Elite Men and Women National Boxing Championships. Selection has been carried out strictly on performance-based criteria. Gold and silver medallists in Olympic weight categories have been picked, while silver medallists from non-Olympic divisions have been included in line with BFI’s selection policy.
India will enter the BOXAM Elite with high confidence after an outstanding 2025 season. At the World Boxing Cup Finals held in Greater Noida, Indian boxers delivered a historic performance, securing a record 20 medals, including nine gold, underlining the country’s growing strength in world boxing.
Speaking on the squad selection, BFI President Ajay Singh said the focus has now shifted towards maintaining continuity and building momentum. He stated that BOXAM Elite will play a key role in narrowing down the core group, improving competition readiness, and preparing for a demanding international calendar. He also emphasized that the National Championships remain the backbone of India’s high-performance structure, with selection rewarding form, consistency, and long-term potential.
The tournament will also signal a transition phase for Indian boxing. Santiago Nieva will take charge of the women’s team for his first international assignment as head coach, while Kuttappa Chenanda Achaiah will lead the men’s squad.
Overall, BOXAM Elite 2026 is set to be a significant milestone for Indian boxing, serving not just as a competition but as a key platform to shape the team’s roadmap for the major multi-sport events ahead.