Alicante, Feb 1 (.) Olympic medallist Lovlina Borgohain and Olympian Pooja Rani will spearhead India’s 33-member boxing contingent at the Boxam Elite International 2026, scheduled to begin in La Nucia, Alicante, Spain, on Tuesday.
World Boxing Cup Finals gold medallists Hitesh Gulia and Sachin Siwach have also been named in the squad, which features a mix of experienced international boxers and emerging talent, as per Olympics.com.
However, two-time world champion Nikhat Zareen (51kg) has opted out of the tournament to focus on her preparations for the upcoming Asian Championships, slated for late March and considered a key event in the Olympic qualification pathway.
Reigning world champions Minakshi Hooda (48kg) and Jaismine Lamboria (57kg) will also miss the event, with Lamboria sidelined due to a shoulder injury.
The Boxam Elite International will mark India’s first major overseas boxing assignment of the year and is expected to serve as an important testing ground for Indian pugilists ahead of the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games later this season.
The Indian squad was selected based on performances at the recently concluded National Boxing Championships, with selectors prioritising form and competitiveness.
Indian boxers head into the tournament on the back of a strong 2025 season, highlighted by a record haul of 20 medals, including nine golds, at the World Boxing Cup Finals held in Greater Noida.
The event will also signal a transition phase for Indian boxing, with Santiago Nieva set to take charge of the women’s team in his first international assignment as head coach, while Kuttappa Chenanda Achaiah will lead the men’s squad.
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