Hitesh became the first Indian boxer to win a gold medal in the World Boxing Cup. His opponent, England’s Odel Kamara, was injured and was unable to compete in the 70kg final on Saturday.
Another Indian boxer, Abhinash Jamwal, reached the final of the 65kg class, expressed his best results to local favorite Yuri Reis, but could not do enough to get a favorable verdict and win a silver medal.
Four Indians – Jadumani Singh Mandingbam (50kg), Manish Rathore (55kg), Sachin (60kg) and Vishal (90kg) – Bronze medals for bagging.
Before the game, Hitesh attributed his 10-day preparatory camp in Brazil to his help and the team.
“The camp helped me learn some tactical nuances and it helped me a lot in the competition. This competition gave us a great exposure at the highest level and I’m very happy to win the gold medal,” said Hitsch. India sent a team of 10 people at the World Boxing Cup, their first major international outing since the Paris Olympics.
Strong performance will not only strengthen players’ confidence in getting ready for the Olympic cycle before the 2028 Los Angeles game.
