Astana: Two-time youth world champion Sakshi delivered a commanding performance to win India’s first gold medal at the second World Boxing Cup, dominating the women’s 54kg final with a unanimous verdict over USA’s Yosline Perez on Sunday.
The 24-year-old Indian boxer displayed superb speed and precise combination punches to outclass her American opponent and climb the top step of the podium, giving India a golden start in the tournament's first session.
The Indian contingent has enjoyed a highly successful campaign in Astana and is now assured of 11 medals. India had earlier secured six medals — including a gold and a silver — at the first leg in Brazil.
Among other Indian finalists on Sunday, Meenakshi fought valiantly in the women’s 48kg final against home favourite Nazym Kyzaibay, but narrowly lost by a 3-2 split verdict.
In the men’s and women’s heavier weight categories, Jugnoo (men’s 85kg) and Pooja Rani (women’s 80kg) settled for silver medals, both suffering 0-5 defeats in their respective finals to Kazakhstan’s Bekzad Nurdauletov and Australia’s Eseta Flint.
India still has more chances to add to its medal tally with four more boxers set to compete for gold in the evening session. Brazil-leg gold medallist Hitesh Gulia (men’s 70kg), Abhinash Jamwal (men’s 65kg), Jaismine (women’s 57kg), and Nupur (women’s 85+kg) will all be in action, aiming to finish India's campaign on a high.
With PTI inputs