India's young pugilists arrive in China for International Youth Boxing Gala

New Delhi [India], August 16 (ANI): A 59-member Indian contingent reached Urumqi, Xinjiang, China, to participate in the 3rd "Belt and Road" International Youth Boxing Gala, U17/U19/U23 International Training Camp and Tournament, scheduled from August 15 to 30.

The squad comprises 20 boys and 20 girls, supported by 12 coaches, six support staff, and one Referee and Judge (R&J). Organised by the Chinese Boxing Federation and the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region Government, the event begins with a training camp from August 17 to 25 in Urumqi, followed by the competition phase from August 26 to 29 in Urumqi and Yili, according to a press release from BFI.

Only U-17 boys and girls are representing India at this edition. The boxers were selected from the 6th U-17 Junior Boys & Girls National Boxing Championships 2025, with gold and silver medallists in the Asian Youth Games weight categories and gold medallists in the Non-Asian Youth Games weight categories making the cut.

Boxers will compete across multiple divisions. U17 boys and girls will contest in 13 weight categories: 46kg, 48kg, 50kg, 52kg, 54kg, 57kg, 60kg, 63kg, 66kg, 70kg, 75kg, 80kg, and 80kg.

Participation in this international training camp and competition is expected to provide India's young boxers with valuable exposure and experience against strong global opponents.

In recent months, Indian junior boxers have delivered standout performances at international competitions, most notably at the Asian U-15 and U-17 Championships earlier this year, where the team secured 43 medals and finished second overall. These results underline India's growing depth in grassroots boxing and the promise of its next generation on the world stage.

Recently, with a gold in the women's 80 kg category, Ritika concluded Team India's campaign at the Asian U19 & U22 Boxing Championships 2025 with a total of 27 medals, across both age groups in Bangkok.

The 10-day meet brought together some of the best boxing talent in India, with U19 boxers finishing second on the table, while the U22 boxers took fourth place. A total of 40 boxers, 20 from each group, were sent for the tournament. (ANI)

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