Sakshi gave India a strong start at the World Boxing Championships in Liverpool on Thursday, dominating her Ukrainian opponent in the women’s 54kg category. She sealed the win 5-0 via Referee Stopped Contest (RSC), according to the Boxing Federation of India (BFI).
Earlier, Pawan Bartwal opened India’s campaign on a positive note by defeating Brazil’s Michael Douglas Trindade, a Paris Olympian, in the men’s 55kg division. In a tense contest, Bartwal held his nerve in the deciding round, landing key punches to edge past his opponent with a 3-2 split decision.
India has sent a 20-member squad to the inaugural World Championships, which is being hosted under the banner of World Boxing, a newly formed global governing body. With 544 athletes from 68 countries competing across 20 weight classes, the event marks the first time men’s and women’s competitions are being held together.
Later on Thursday, Sanamacha Chanu (women’s 70kg) and Harsh Choudhary (men’s 90kg) were also scheduled to enter the ring. Medal hopefuls Hitesh Gulia (men’s 70kg), Abhinash Jamwal (men’s 65kg), Nikhat Zareen (women’s 51kg), and Lovlina Borgohain (women’s 70kg) received favorable draws, with Gulia, Jamwal, and Lovlina getting first-round byes. Nikhat will face Jennifer Lozana of the USA in her opener.
Indian boxers have already shown promise this year, winning 17 medals, including four golds, at World Boxing Cup events in Brazil and Kazakhstan.