THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

NEW DELHI, APRIL 30, 2026

India’s next generation of boxing stars is ready to step into the spotlight as a formidable 56-member contingent gears up for the Asian Boxing U15 & U17 Championships 2026, commencing tomorrow in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Bringing together some of Asia’s brightest young pugilists, the prestigious age-group tournament will provide a crucial international platform for emerging talent. India enters the competition with a balanced and highly competitive squad across both boys’ and girls’ categories, underlining the country's unwavering commitment to grassroots development and its growing dominance in international boxing.

The U-17 squad comprises 13 boxers each in the boys’ and girls’ divisions, competing across weight categories from 44–46kg to over 80kg. Each team will be backed by four coaches and a physiotherapist. The U-15 contingent, meanwhile, features 15 boxers each in the boys’ and girls’ sections, spanning weight classes from 30–33kg to above 70kg, with five coaches and a physiotherapist accompanying each team.

Expressing confidence ahead of the championship, Boxing Federation of India President Ajay Singh said, “These championships are an important platform for our young boxers to gain international exposure and test themselves against the best in Asia. Over the past two years, boxing has established itself as India’s top-performing sport, consistently delivering the highest number of medals across major international events, including multi-sport competitions like the Youth Asian Games as well as World and Continental Championships. This sustained success reflects the growing depth of our grassroots program. We have a strong group of talented athletes across age categories, and we are confident this batch represents the next wave of upcoming talent and future champions for Indian boxing.”

The championships are widely regarded as a vital stepping stone in the development pathway for aspiring elite boxers. Many of the athletes competing in Tashkent are expected to progress to senior international events and eventually don Indian colours at the highest level.

With a robust talent pipeline, experienced coaching staff, and a proven track record on the continental stage, India will aim to deliver another commanding performance and further cement its reputation as a rising powerhouse in world boxing.