Greater Noida: Yasika Rai achieved a significant milestone by winning a rare boxing medal for Sikkim at the women’s boxing nationals. This accomplishment was particularly noteworthy given the ongoing administrative turmoil within the Boxing Federation of India (BFI), which could have jeopardized her participation.

The involvement of the six-member Sikkim team was uncertain until the very last moment, as state officials, who opposed the current BFI leadership, urged the team to withdraw from the event. There were even attempts to prevent the boxers from boarding their flight to Delhi.

Despite this pressure, the delegation chose to disregard their association's instructions and proceeded to compete. As a result, Yasika ended a 12-year medal drought for Sikkim at the Elite Women’s National Championships, becoming only the fifth female boxer from the state to earn a medal at the senior nationals. The first was Dronacharya Awardee Sandhya Gurung, who has trained Olympic medallist Lovlina Borgohain.

Competing in the 48kg category, Yasika showcased her skills throughout the seven-day championship. Her impressive footwork, controlled aggression, and precise punching distinguished her performance. In a highly competitive weight class featuring some of India’s top athletes, including world champion Nitu Ghanghas and Asian Championship medallist Minakshi, the 21-year-old Yasika demonstrated the determination and technical prowess necessary to succeed at the elite level.

Although she lost the final match 0-5 to Minakshi, Yasika emerged as one of the standout performers of the tournament, having won four bouts against opponents from Punjab, Manipur, and Railways on her way to the final.

“We participated in the tournament because we wanted Yasika to have the opportunity to compete. She is exceptionally talented and has dedicated a great deal of effort throughout the year in preparation for the National Championship. There was uncertainty regarding our participation until the end, but we could not allow our boxers' hard work to go unrecognized. Yasika has validated our decision, and now the federation officials have no grounds to criticize us,” remarked a team member.

Yasika expressed her enthusiasm about joining the India national camp for the first time, stating, “This is a significant moment for me.”

Anamika, Neeraj win titles

Paris Olympian Jaismine Lamboria showcased her exceptional skills by defeating Priya with a score of 5-0 to secure the 57kg championship. The tall boxer from the Services displayed remarkable prowess throughout the tournament, easily overcoming her competitors. In the light flyweight category, Anamika Hooda from Railways successfully defended her title, winning against Haryana’s Tamanna with a unanimous 5-0 decision.

The evening's most unexpected outcome was seasoned boxer Simranjit Kaur's defeat at the hands of Neeraj Phogat in what was the most challenging final. The match concluded with a narrow 4-3 decision following a review. Phogat, returning to the ring after a four-year suspension for doping, initiated a strong offensive from the outset. Although Tokyo Olympian Simranjit made a commendable comeback in the second round, the thrilling third round saw Neeraj narrowly secure the victory by landing more effective punches, thus claiming the title in the 65kg category.

In another closely contested match, Sanamacha Chanu triumphed over Saneh from Haryana with a score of 5-2. The decision favored Sanamacha after a review, as the Railways boxer demonstrated superior ring technique and precise punching. Railways asserted their dominance by defending their title, amassing a total of nine medals, including five golds.

BFI announces competitions

Ajay Singh, the President of the Boxing Federation of India, declared a cash prize of ₹50,000 for the leading athletes. He also mentioned that the Youth National Championship is scheduled for April at the same location, with the Junior Nationals set to occur in Nainital in May. Additionally, the sub-junior nationals will take place in either Delhi or Goa in June. "We are dedicated to safeguarding the interests of our boxers and ensuring that all National Championships are concluded within the next two months," stated BFI President Ajay Singh.

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