National Boxing Championships: Hussamuddin's golden return headlines, Nikhat-Lovlina clinch titles

Mohammed Hussamuddin, a World Championships bronze medalist, made a triumphant return to the ring on January 10, securing the 60kg gold medal at the National Boxing Championships. Following a lengthy hiatus due to injury, Hussamuddin’s victory shared the spotlight with seasoned champions Nikhat Zareen and Lovlina Borgohain, who also successfully defended their reputations by claiming national titles in their respective categories.

Hussamuddin stands tall with gold in Boxing Nationals

The Services Sports Control Board (SSCB) emerged as the powerhouse of the tournament, finishing at the top of the medals tally. Their dominant performance included a remarkable 12 gold medals, nine of which were earned in the men’s division. This overwhelming success reaffirmed the SSCB’s status as a premier nursery for boxing talent in India, showcasing incredible depth across various weight classes.

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In the 60kg final, Hussamuddin faced a daunting challenge against his fellow Services teammate and defending champion, Sachin Siwach. After a cautious start that saw the younger Siwach dictate the early pace, the 31-year-old veteran utilized his experience to regain control. By employing superior shot selection and landing precise counter-punches, Hussamuddin managed to overturn the deficit and secure a gritty 3-2 split-decision victory.

The climax of the match was briefly overshadowed by a moment of technical confusion during the official announcement. The ring announcer initially declared Sachin Siwach as the winner, but the error was quickly identified and corrected moments later. This clarification officially confirmed Hussamuddin's comeback gold, marking a successful end to his challenging road to recovery.

One of the most significant narratives of the championships was the rise of Jadumani Singh, a World Cup medalist who secured gold in the 55kg category. The 21-year-old Manipuri boxer was subsequently honored as the tournament's best male boxer, capping off a remarkable run. His path to the title was particularly impressive; after upsetting two-time Olympian and world silver medalist Amit Panghal in the semifinals, he demonstrated exceptional composure and stamina to win a grueling final against his Services teammate, Pawan Bartwal.

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The Services Sports Control Board’s dominance extended into the 65kg division, where Aditya Pratap orchestrated a major upset. He secured a narrow 3-2 victory over the defending champion, Abhinash Jamwal of Himachal Pradesh. The loss was a surprising turn for Jamwal, who had established himself as a premier international threat the previous year by collecting three silver medals at the World Cup.

Nikhat Zareen, Lovlina Borgohain reign supreme

In the women's draw, the established stars lived up to their billing with clinical performances. Telangana’s Nikhat Zareen claimed her third National Championships crown in the 51kg category, defeating 2023 world champion Nitu Ghanghas by unanimous decision. Similarly, Tokyo Olympic bronze medalist Lovlina Borgohain delivered an authoritative 5-0 victory over Sanamacha Chanu of the Railways to capture the 75kg title.

These victories carry immense weight for both Nikhat and Lovlina as they look toward a high-stakes 2026 season. After being largely inactive throughout much of 2025, these national titles provide a crucial confidence boost and a competitive rhythm as they prepare for a packed international calendar that includes the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games.

Minakshi Hooda, the reigning world champion representing the All India Police, delivered a masterclass in the 48kg category to secure another gold medal. Her dominant performance further solidified her status as a top-tier talent on the national stage. Joining her in the winner’s circle was Asian Games bronze medalist Preeti Pawar of the Services, who clinched the 54kg title. Preeti’s exceptional skill throughout the tournament earned her the prestigious distinction of being named the best female boxer of the championships.

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The event also witnessed a historic milestone for veteran Pooja Rani, who continues to build an unparalleled legacy in Indian boxing. By defeating her Haryana teammate Naina with a clinical 5-0 victory in the 80kg final, Rani secured her 10th National Championships gold medal. This milestone serves as a testament to her longevity and sustained excellence at the highest level of domestic competition.

The gold medal tally was further bolstered by the Railways Sports Promotion Board, with Prachi (57kg), Priya (60kg), and Alfiya Khan (80+kg) all finishing at the top of their respective podiums. The Services team added to their massive haul through victories from Pranjal Yadav (65kg) and Arundhati Choudhary (70kg). While the tournament concluded with the Services Sports Control Board asserting total dominance, the event was a mix of elite athletic achievement and a series of recurring organizational controversies that shared the headlines.