Spain erupted with boxing excitement as India’s squad delivered a commanding performance on the opening day of the Boxam Elite International 2026 tournament. Featuring 214 boxers from 21 nations, the event kicked off with a barrage of high-stakes bouts, and Team India wasted no time asserting dominance.
Captains Hitesh Gulia (70kg) and Preeti (54kg) set the tone with flawless unanimous decisions. Hitesh dismantled Netherlands’ Finn Bos 5-0, showcasing impeccable ring craft, precise timing, and unyielding control from bell to bell. His strategic punches landed with surgical accuracy, leaving opponents scrambling.
Preeti mirrored the mastery earlier, overpowering Kazakhstan’s Aliyaskar Symbat 5-0 in the elite women’s 54kg category. Her lightning combinations and rock-solid defense overwhelmed the rival, establishing India as a force to reckon with.
The women’s momentum rolled on. Prachi (57kg) crushed Spain’s Vanessa Morel Ramirez 5-0, Priya (60kg) dispatched Canada’s Alescia Mansueto 5-0, and Kajal (65kg) edged Kazakhstan’s Asem Tanatar 4-1 in a gritty showdown. Each victory underscored the depth of India’s female boxing talent.
Men’s side matched the intensity. Sachin (60kg) breezed past Spain’s Brandon Alejandro 5-0, while Mohammad Husamuddin (60kg) outpointed Denmark’s Mathias Mehmet Buyukdemir 4-1. Abhinav Jamwal (65kg) demolished Denmark’s Khalid Usman 5-0, Deepak (70kg) prevailed over Belgium’s Hornel Aitevi 4-1, and Akash (75kg) along with Ankush (80kg) secured 4-1 nods. Aditya Pratap Yadav (65kg) fell 1-4 to England’s Joe Turner in a tough encounter.
This blistering start signals India’s medal aspirations. With such prowess on display, the squad eyes a stellar campaign ahead in this prestigious global showdown.