World Championships bronze medallist Mohammed Hussamuddin scripted a stirring comeback from a long injury layoff by clinching the 60kg gold medal at the National Boxing Championships in Greater Noida on Saturday. The championships also saw established stars Nikhat Zareen and Lovlina Borgohain reaffirm their supremacy, while the Services Sports Control Board (SSCB) stamped its authority by finishing comfortably atop the medals table.
SSCB amassed a staggering 12 gold medals, including nine in the men’s section, underlining its depth, preparation, and dominance across weight categories.
Hussamuddin’s Gritty Return After Injury
Hussamuddin, who had been sidelined for several months due to injury, produced a composed and resilient performance to edge out defending champion Sachin Siwach, also representing Services, in a tense final. The bout ended in a 3-2 split verdict, after the 31-year-old overturned an early deficit with superior shot selection, counter-punching, and ring control.
Sachin dictated the opening round with aggression and movement, but Hussamuddin gradually asserted himself, landing cleaner combinations and timing his attacks better as the contest progressed. There was brief confusion after the final bell when the result was initially announced in Sachin’s favour, before being corrected moments later.
“This title was very important for me as this year has a lot of tournaments coming up. After the injury, I needed to prove to myself and to others that I can still do it,” an emotional Hussamuddin said after his victory.
Jadumani Singh Emerges as Men’s Standout
One of the standout performers of the championships was World Cup medallist Jadumani Singh, who capped a dream campaign by winning gold in the 55kg category. The 21-year-old Manipuri was later named the Best Male Boxer of the Tournament.
Jadumani had earlier produced a statement win in the semifinals by out-punching two-time Olympian and 2019 World Championships silver medallist Amit Panghal. In the final, he displayed remarkable stamina and composure to overcome fellow Services boxer Pawan Bartwal in a physically demanding contest.
Services Continue Medal Surge
Services’ medal rush continued with Aditya Pratap pulling off a major upset in the 65kg final, defeating defending champion Abhinash Jamwal of Himachal Pradesh by a narrow 3-2 margin. Jamwal had been one of the most consistent boxers last year, claiming three silver medals at the World Cup.
Nikhat and Lovlina Assert Authority in Women’s Boxing
In the women’s competition, Telangana’s Nikhat Zareen secured her third National Championships gold, defeating 2023 world champion Nitu Ghanghas of Haryana via a unanimous decision in the 51kg final.
Tokyo Olympic bronze medallist Lovlina Borgohain was equally commanding, outclassing Railways’ Sanamacha Chanu 5-0 to claim the 75kg title.
Both Nikhat and Lovlina had remained largely out of action for most of 2025, and their victories are expected to significantly boost confidence ahead of a packed international calendar that includes the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games.
“I have started the new year as a champion, which is great. My opponent today was herself a world champion, so the competition was tough. Winning against such quality boxers gives me confidence,” Nikhat said after her win.
More Champions Crowned
Reigning world champion Minakshi Hooda (48kg) of the All India Police lived up to expectations with another dominant gold-medal performance. Asian Games bronze medallist Preeti Pawar of Services clinched the 54kg title and was adjudged the Best Female Boxer of the championships.
Veteran Haryana boxer Pooja Rani further enhanced her illustrious career by winning her 10th National Championships gold, defeating state-mate Naina 5-0 in the 80kg final.
Other gold medallists included Railways boxers Prachi (57kg), Priya (60kg) and Alfiya Khan (80kg), along with Services’ Pranjal Yadav (65kg) and Arundhati Choudhary (70kg).
Championships End on a High Note
SSCB’s overall dominance brought the curtains down on a National Championships that showcased high-quality boxing, emerging talent, and established champions, even as recurring organisational controversies lingered in the background.