Manama, India, October 30, 2025: Inspired by the legendary Mary Kom, India’s next generation of female boxers took their first steps towards posterity winning four gold medals to boost the country up the medal standings at the 3rd Asian Youth Games in Bahrain on Thursday, October 30.
India’s boxers, boosted by its girl power, were all but overpowering as they won four gold medals and two silver medals on the penultimate day of the showpiece.
“We are absolutely delighted at the outcome,” said Ajay Singh, President of Boxing Federation of India. “This performance proves that we have young boxers with the potential to become future Olympians, perhaps at the 2032 or 2036 Games.”
For 15-year-old Chandrika Bhoreshi Pujari, winner of the gold medal in the girls’ 54 kg category, that dream was set alight by none other than India’s most-famous female boxer Mary Kom.
“I met Mary Kom last year and she told me never to give up until I achieve the dream of going to the Olympics. I was so inspired by her and she is my driving force,” said the 15-year-old Pujari who hails from Pune.
BFI President Singh is not surprised that the presence of Mary, a six time world champion and Olympic medallist and Asian Games gold medallist, is all pervasive among young girls who aspire to follow in her footsteps.
“A lot of these girls come from poor backgrounds, and boxing provides them a pathway out of poverty. Winning is a way of them being recognised in India and to show the world that they are of consequence.
“Usually girls are looked at as liabilities by families and communities. By winning in boxing, they get so much respect and it is incredibly empowering for them. We are delighted that sport can empower women and India is proud of its women’s power, especially in boxing,” noted Singh.
He was on the sidelines at the Exhibition World Bahrain arena cheering on the young pugilists. In the morning session Khushi Chand (girls’ 46kg) and Ahaana Sharma (girls’ 50kg) won golds. Then in the afternoon session, Pujari and Anishka (girls’ +80kg) won golds. The two silver medals came courtesy of Harnoor Kaur (girls’ 66kg) and Lanchenba Singh (boys’ 50kg).
“Every time India boxing wins medals like this, it is highly appreciated back home with the successes getting a lot of media attention. This will encourage the girls more. The future looks bright,” Singh added.
