India's Minakshi Hooda has continued her stunning run at the World Boxing Championships 2025, becoming the third Indian woman pugilist to advance to the final. On September 13, Saturday, she recorded a handsome 5-0 victory over Mongolia's Lutsaikhany Altantsetseg in the 48kg semifinals. This win is particularly notable as Altantsetseg was a silver medalist in the 2023 World Championships.
Hooda, who has previously won silver medals at the Asian Championships and World Cup, now joins her compatriots Jaismine Lamboria (57kg) and Nupur Sheoran (80+kg) in the finals. Both Lamboria and Sheoran had secured their spots with comprehensive victories on Friday. The day's action continues as Jaismine and Nupur are scheduled to compete later on Saturday, along with Pooja Rani (80kg), who will fight in her semifinal bout.
Minakshi Hooda, a 2022 Asian championships silver medallist in the 52kg weight class, began her semifinal bout with an aggressive approach, using a variety of jabs and combinations. Her powerful start paid off when a solid right blow sent Lutsaikhany Altantsetseg to the canvas, earning the Mongolian a standing count. This impressive opening round earned a unanimous decision from all five judges in favor of the Indian boxer.
Altantsetseg fought back with straight shots in the second round, but Hooda's excellent footwork and fluid, powerful actions helped her control the ring. With her precise counters, she consistently outmaneuvered her opponent, winning the second round unanimously as well.
In the final round, Hooda continued to dominate, dancing around the ring and expertly delivering counters. She gave Altantsetseg no opportunity to land her own shots, securing her place in the final with ease. The 24-year-old Indian will now face Kazakhstan's Nazym Kyzaibay, a Paris Olympics bronze medalist, in the championship match for the title.