Spain’s La Nucia buzzed with excitement as India’s boxing contingent turned the third day of Boxam Elite 2026 into a medal-clinching extravaganza, assuring 19 podium spots with standout semifinal qualifications by Neetu and Preeti.
Neetu (51kg) was in unstoppable form, dismantling Canadian opponent Mackenzie Wright 5:0 to book her semifinal berth. Preeti (54kg) showcased tactical brilliance against Spain’s Maria Gonzalez, forcing an early end in the third round through sheer dominance.
Men’s standout Jadumani Singh (55kg) continued his rampage, securing a unanimous 5:0 win over Peng Chia-feng of Chinese Taipei. The women’s squad, guided by fresh head coach Santiago Nieva, has locked 12 medals, complemented by seven from the men entering the semifinals.
Further victories poured in: Poonam (54kg) blanked Thailand’s Natnicha Chongprongklang 5:0; Priya (60kg) and Pranjal (65kg) notched unanimous triumphs over Laura Galano (Spain) and Victoria Jilkova (Czech Republic); Kajal (65kg) prevailed 4:1 against Kazakhstan’s Akbar Ichshanova.
The men’s side saw Mohammad Husamuddin (60kg) dominate Ukraine’s Ali Dahli, Sachin (60kg) grind out a 3:2 decision versus Ader Abduraimov, and Akash (75kg) claim a solid 4:1 over Spain’s Jose Luis Canero.
Setbacks came for Pawan Bartwal, who lost a razor-thin 2:3 to England’s Ellis Trobridge, and Avinash Jamwal against Ukraine’s Elvin Aliyev. Yet, India’s haul of 19 assured medals underscores a resurgent force in global boxing, setting the stage for even greater achievements.