Boxing Beyond the Ring: How Indian women are owning the global stage in 2025

Indian women are making powerful strides in boxing, capturing the global spotlight with historic achievements that reach far beyond the ring.

The year 2025 stands as a watershed moment for Indian women in boxing, highlighted by remarkable performances at the World Boxing Championships and a broader cultural shift inspiring women across sports.

This is the story of how India’s women boxers are owning the global stage and reshaping the nation’s sporting legacy with resilience, talent, and barrier-breaking success.

A golden year for Indian Women in Boxing

India’s female boxers delivered one of the nation’s best-ever performances at the 2025 World Boxing Championships held in Liverpool.

They finished with a total of four medals: two gold, one silver, and one bronze.

Featherweight boxer Jaismine Lamboria stunned the world by defeating Olympic silver medallist Julia Szeremeta of Poland 4–1 in the final. This victory was especially poignant as Lamboria redeemed herself after an early exit at the 2024 Paris Olympics, and it highlights the relentless spirit of Indian women athletes. Her win not only brought pride to the nation but also inspired many young women aspiring to take up boxing professionally.

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Minakshi Hooda secured the second gold against Kazakhstan’s Nazym Kyzaibay in the 48 kg category, avenging a prior defeat at the 2025 Astana World Cup. Minakshi’s triumph signals India’s rise as a boxing powerhouse with women leading the way on the global stage.

Adding to the medal tally, Nupur Sheoran earned silver in the 80+ kg division, while Olympian Pooja Rani brought home bronze. These achievements confirm the depth and breadth of India’s women’s boxing talent and establish India as a serious contender on the international professional boxing scene.

The legacy that paved the way

This remarkable success builds upon a rich legacy established by trailblazers like MC Mary Kom, who is widely regarded as the face of Indian women’s boxing.

Mary Kom’s record-breaking six-time world championship titles and Olympic medals have paved the way for many Indian women to embrace boxing. Her journey from a small northeastern town to global stardom broke barriers related to gender and social expectations.

Mary Kom’s story is a source of inspiration and empowerment, motivating a generation of female athletes across India to dream bigger and push boundaries in sports traditionally dominated by men.

Carrying that legacy forward, Nikhat Zareen and Lovlina Borgohain have become consistent presences on global podiums. Their continuous participation in global events and their podium finishes demonstrate a sustained commitment to excellence and development in women’s boxing.

The surge in women’s boxing success aligns with India’s broader progress in sports, where female athletes across multiple disciplines are increasingly claiming podium finishes and national recognition, contributing to India’s growing stature as a sports powerhouse.

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A movement of empowerment

The success of Indian women in boxing resonates well beyond the medals and titles. These athletes symbolize a larger social shift by challenging traditional gender roles and inspiring young girls nationwide to pursue careers in sports.

Many women boxers come from humble and rural backgrounds and have overcome multiple societal barriers, including gender biases, limited access to world-class training facilities, and financial constraints, to reach world-class levels.

Their stories highlight how sports serve as a powerful conduit for empowerment and socio-economic upliftment, encouraging families and communities to support female participation in competitive sports.

Recognizing this potential, government initiatives like Khelo India and the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) have started funneling more resources, opportunities, and comprehensive training programs towards female athletes. These programs enhance infrastructure, provide financial aid, and create pathways for international exposure and competition.

Additionally, growing fan support and extensive social media presence create stronger platforms for women boxers to attract sponsorships, media coverage, and public admiration, helping them build sustainable professional careers in sports.

The global success of Indian women boxers is part of a larger story of Indian women redefining sports at all levels. These athletes are not only winning medals but are also gaining respect and recognition as professional sportswomen on the international stage.

Participation in prestigious events like the World Boxing Championships, Olympic Games, and various global tournaments ensures Indian women remain competitive and influential in global boxing conversations, while also raising the profile of women’s boxing worldwide.

Such achievements serve as powerful inspiration to young girls, encouraging them to take up sports and promoting gender equality in regions where women’s participation was previously minimal.

The visibility of champions such as Jaismine Lamboria, Minakshi Hooda, and others fosters a cultural shift that challenges the perception of boxing and other combat sports as male-only domains, making way for more inclusivity, support, and investment in women's sports.

Indian women’s rise in boxing is a story of passion, perseverance, and profound societal impact. Victory in the ring goes hand in hand with broader victories in equality and opportunity.

As the world watches these athletes claim their place at the top, they symbolize the boundless potential of Indian women and herald an exciting future for women’s sports in India and beyond.