Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Oct 21: India has officially dispatched a 23-member boxing contingent to Manama, Bahrain, for the upcoming 3rd Asian Youth Games 2025, set to take place from October 23 to 30. Representing the country across 14 weight categories — seven each for boys and girls in the U-17 age group — the young boxers will compete against Asia’s finest in a single-elimination format at Exhibition World Bahrain Hall 9.
The team, selected based on standout performances at the 6th U-17 Junior National Boxing Championships earlier this year, includes national gold medallists who earned direct entry into the squad, while silver medallists have been named as reserves. Among the top names in the lineup are Dhruv Kharb, Udham Singh Raghav, Khushi Chand, Ahaana Sharma, and Chandrika Bhoreshi Pujari — all of whom were instrumental in India’s 43-medal haul at the Asian U-17 Championships in July, where the country finished second overall.
The athletes have just completed a rigorous training camp at NS NIS Patiala, which ran from September 23 to October 20. The camp focused on sharpening technique, tactical awareness, and physical conditioning under the guidance of Head Coaches Vinod Kumar (boys) and Jitender Raj Singh (girls), supported by a robust support staff of coaches, physiotherapists, and a medical professional.
Boxing Federation of India (BFI) President Ajay Singh expressed confidence in the team’s readiness, emphasizing the importance of the Asian Youth Games as a stepping stone for future international success. “Our young boxers have shown tremendous progress and resilience. This exposure will play a key role in grooming them into world-class athletes. They’ve trained hard and are ready to make their mark in Bahrain,” he said.
The competition will culminate in medal ceremonies on October 30, followed by the Closing Ceremony on October 31. With momentum on their side and a strong support system behind them, India’s young pugilists are geared up to build on the country’s growing reputation in youth boxing.