At the World Boxing Championships 2025 in Liverpool, India’s boxing squad has kicked off with impressive wins. Sumit Kundu (75kg) demonstrated overwhelming control to defeat Jordan’s Mohammad Alhussien with a unanimous 5-0 decision.
Kundu’s performance was described as near-flawless, marked by aggressive forward charging and powerful punches that decisively dominated all rounds. Meanwhile, Neeraj Phogat (65kg) battled fiercely against Finland’s Krista Kovalainen, clinching a narrow 3-2 split decision.
Phogat’s comeback in the final round after a soft second round reflected her resilience and tactical acumen, earning four of five judges’ favour. These feats secured both boxers a place in the pre-quarterfinals, uplifting the Indian team’s spirits in a highly competitive field featuring over 540 athletes from 68 countries.
Tactical Brilliance and Resilience in the Ring
Sumit Kundu’s style combines muscular strength with an unrelenting attacking approach unusual among Indian boxers at this weight category. His key moments included a clean uppercut in the second round that visibly rattled Alhussien, followed by a powerful right hook and straight right punches that concluded his dominance in the bout.
Kundu’s physicality and bravery position him as a promising contender in this championship, reflecting solid preparation and experience gained through domestic and international competitions.
Neeraj Phogat, after advice from her coaches, utilised her range advantage and kept her composure against the aggressive advances of Kovalainen. Her stamina and tactical last-round flurry were crucial in swaying judges, highlighting her mental toughness and strategic boxing skills.
Both Sumit Kundu and Neeraj Phogat have exhibited remarkable mental toughness, a quality often highlighted by their coaches as the key to succeeding at the highest level. Sumit’s rigorous training regimen includes strength conditioning and close sparring sessions which sharpen his reflexes and endurance.
Neeraj, balancing boxing with academics earlier in her career, brings enlightened tactical thinking into the ring. Their journeys not only inspire aspiring boxers but also demonstrate the evolving professionalism in Indian boxing’s approach to international competitions.
Contextualizing India’s Growing Boxing Ambitions
India’s 20-member squad in Liverpool is one of its strongest, including celebrated internationals like two-time world champion Nikhat Zareen and Olympic bronze medallist Lovlina Borgohain. The inclusion of rising talents alongside seasoned campaigners forms a balanced team prepared for medal challenges across multiple weight categories.
With recent successes in World Boxing Cup events in Brazil and Kazakhstan, India’s boxing landscape appears robust, benefiting from structured training camps and enhanced global exposure.
The World Boxing Championships represent the first combined event for men and women under the new international governing body, World Boxing, marking a historic moment for Indian boxing to assert itself at the highest level.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The victories by Sumit Kundu and Neeraj Phogat embody qualities beyond just sporting achievement, the discipline, courage, and persistence that sports nurture in society. The Logical Indian champions these athletes’ journeys and the values they promote: empathy, fair play, and unity through competition.
Supporting the holistic development of athletes ensures India can sustain its rise on the world stage with dignity and respect. Encouraging dialogue and collective effort to enhance sports infrastructure and mental health resources will pave the way for long-term success.
NEERAJ PHOGAT INTO THE PRE-QF 🔥
— The Khel India (@TheKhelIndia) September 5, 2025
She defeated Finland’s Krista Kovalainen 3–2 in a 65kg battle at the World Championship 2025!
Well Done! 🇮🇳💪 pic.twitter.com/uNbqO0pTZF
A TOTAL DOMINATION BY SUMIT KUNDU 💪
— The Khel India (@TheKhelIndia) September 5, 2025
He defeated Jordan’s Mohammad Alhussien 5-0 in Men's 75kg at World Championships 2025!
Well Done! 🇮🇳💪
📹: EurovisionSport pic.twitter.com/S7iRxEnXSl
