14 September,2025 08:38 PM IST | Liverpool | mid-day online correspondent
The bout served as a thrilling rematch of this year’s World Cup final in Astana, where Kyzaibay had narrowly edged out Hooda on home soil (Pic: PTI/AFP)
Minakshi Hooda etched her name in history by becoming only the second Indian boxer to claim a gold medal at the 2025 World Boxing Championships held in Liverpool. On a memorable Sunday, the towering 24-year-old from Rurki outclassed Kazakhstan's seasoned fighter Nazym Kyzaibay with a commanding 4-1 victory. The bout served as a thrilling rematch of this year's World Cup final in Astana, where Kyzaibay had narrowly edged out Hooda on home soil.
The historic gold has led to celebrations across India, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi extending his heartfelt congratulations to Minakshi. "Proud of Minakshi on her outstanding performance at the 2025 World Boxing Championships in Liverpool! She brings home the Gold in the 48kg category. Her success and determination are very motivating for Indian athletes. Wishing her the very best for her upcoming endeavours," wrote Modi on X.
Displaying tactical brilliance and composure, Minakshi relied on her superior reach and sharp counterpunching to keep her experienced 31-year-old opponent at bay. Despite Kyzaibay's aggressive style and Olympic pedigree, she secured bronze at the Paris Games, Minakshi remained unshaken. Her long jabs and calculated footwork frustrated the Kazakh throughout the match. Although Kyzaibay narrowly took the second round 3-2 by trapping Minakshi on the ropes and targeting her midsection, the Indian boxer responded with poise, reclaiming control in the final rounds.
Only a day before, fellow Indian pugilist Jaismine Lamboria delivered a golden performance of her own. Competing in the women's 57kg category, Lamboria defeated Poland's Szermeta Julia with a composed 4-1 decision to secure her maiden world title.
Minakshi, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) constable, whose father is an auto-rickshaw driver, has now won medals at every international competition she has contested. Her gold medal in Liverpool adds to an impressive collection that includes silver medals at both the Asian Championships and the World Cup.
India's showing at the 2025 World Boxing Championships has not only elevated the profile of women's boxing in the country but also put the grit and determination of athletes on display emerging from humble backgrounds.
