17 Medals Last Time, Bigger Ambitions Now: India Sends 18 Boxers to World U19 Championships

India will look to build on its impressive medal-winning record when an 18-member Indian boxing team competes at the World U19 Boxing Championships, beginning October 18 in Budva, Montenegro. The squad left for Montenegro on Wednesday, carrying hopes of improving on the country's performance at the inaugural edition two years ago.

India finished second behind England at the first edition of the tournament, held in Colorado, the United States, winning an impressive 17 medals - four gold, eight silver and five bronze. The team will now aim to add to that tally, with several promising boxers entering the global competition after strong performances at the continental level.

The current squad features gold and silver medallists from the Asian U19 Boxing Championships held in Jakarta earlier this year, alongside boxers who earned their places through selection trials in other weight categories.

Boxing Federation of India president Ajay Singh expressed confidence in the team's preparations, saying the contingent had performed exceptionally well throughout the year. He expects India to challenge for medals across most weight categories and hopes the team can improve its gold medal count from the previous edition.

In the women's section, Asian U19 gold medallist Prachi (57kg) will be among the key contenders. The squad also includes Asian silver medallists Joyshree Devi Chirom (54kg), Chahat (60kg), Anshika (75kg), Megha Sheokand (80kg) and Prachi Tokas (80+kg).

The men's team will look to Aditya (55kg) and Dhruv (90kg), both Asian U19 silver medallists, while experienced boxer Mausam Suhag (65kg) will add experience to the lineup.

The women's squad also features Himanshi, Harshika and Lakshu, while Aman Dev, Shivam, Prashant, Lokesh, Tridev and Krish complete the men's contingent.

With a mix of continental medallists, emerging talents and experienced competitors, India will seek to turn its promising preparations into podium finishes in Montenegro. The challenge will be to convert that depth into gold medals and improve on its runner-up finish from the tournament's inaugural edition.