World Boxing Cup: Nupur Storms into World Boxing Cup Final, Avinash Jamwal in Semifinals

Astana (The Uttam Hindu): India's medal tally has increased in the ongoing World Boxing Cup in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan. Nupur (80 kg) has reached the final, while Avinash Jamwal (65 kg) confirmed his place in the semi-finals on Friday. Nupur performed brilliantly in the semi-final match and defeated Turkey's Sema Dustaz 5:0 to secure a place in the final of the women's 80 kg category.

Earlier in the day, Avinash Jamwal defeated USA's Rene Camacho by unanimous decision in the men's 65kg category to enter the last four and secure a medal for himself. Neeraj Phogat (65kg) and Anamika (51kg)'s campaign ended in the quarterfinals. Neeraj played his match brilliantly but lost 3:2 in a split decision. India has had a strong showing in Astana with 10 boxers in the semifinals and one in the final. On Thursday, Hitesh Gulia and Sakshi secured a podium spot by securing a place in the semifinals. Hitesh, a gold medallist at the Brazil stage earlier in the year, pulled off a stunning 5:0 win over Kazakhstan's Almaz Orozbekov in the men's 70kg quarterfinals, ensuring another medal for himself. In the women's 54kg category, Sakshi displayed a patient performance to beat Brazil's Tatiana Regina de Jesus Chagas by unanimous decision.

India had won six medals at the last World Boxing Cup in Brazil. With the finals scheduled to be held in New Delhi in November this year, the Astana stage plays a key role in shaping the preparations. India had won one gold, one silver and four bronze medals at the first stage of the 2025 World Boxing Cup in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil. Uzbekistan had topped the medal table with eight medals, including five gold medals, at the first stage in Brazil. Hosts Brazil won nine medals but had three golds, while Kazakhstan finished third with six medals, including three gold and three bronze.