Tag: boxing

Sports

Sangram Singh Announces MMA Comeback at 40, Set to Fight in Poland

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

Sangram Singh, the Commonwealth Heavyweight Champion and one of India’s most inspiring athletes, has officially announced his return to the world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). At 40, an age when most athletes hang up their gloves, Sangram is preparing for his second professional MMA bout, which will take place in Poland. The details of the event and his opponent are expected to be revealed in the coming weeks.

Singh made headlines across the world during his debut at the Gama International Fighting Championship in Tbilisi, Georgia. There, he stunned audiences with a dominant victory over Pakistan’s Ali Raza, ending the fight in just 90 seconds. This achievement not only marked his successful transition from wrestling to MMA but also made him the first Indian male wrestler to win an international MMA fight.

Now, as he prepares for his second fight, Sangram Singh continues to embody perseverance and strength. Having once been wheelchair-bound, his transformation into an international combat sports figure is a testament to the power of will and belief. Speaking during his training, he said, “Age is just a number when your soul refuses to give up. When I stepped into that octagon in Georgia at 40, fighting against a fighter 17 years younger than me, I wasn’t just fighting for myself – I was fighting to show every dreamer in their 20s, 30s, and 40s that their time is still ahead. This Poland tournament is my second chapter, not the final one.”

More than just a fighter, Sangram Singh is also an advocate for health and sustainability. He has continued to promote an all-vegetarian diet as a viable and powerful option for elite athletes, challenging long-standing beliefs in the combat sports world. “My vegetarian lifestyle is not a limitation – it’s my superpower. Every lentil, every vegetable, every morning’s ghee and ashwagandha not only powers my muscles but also fuels my mission to prove that Indian traditions can dominate on the world stage,” he explained.

In a country where MMA is still finding its footing, Sangram Singh continues to be a trailblazer. His return to the international arena is not just a personal milestone but also an inspirational story for millions across India and beyond. His upcoming fight in Poland will be another opportunity to break stereotypes, defy odds, and raise the Indian flag on a global stage once again.

Sports

Nupur Sheoran Clinches Silver for India at World Boxing Championships 2025 in Liverpool

Tanisha Cardozo

India’s Nupur Sheoran scripted a proud chapter in the nation’s boxing history with a stellar silver medal finish at the World Boxing Championships 2025, held from 4th to 14th September at the iconic Liverpool Arena in England. Competing in the fiercely contested 80+kg category, Nupur showcased a combination of raw strength, tactical sharpness, and unwavering determination as she powered her way to the final.

Her final bout was a closely fought battle against Poland’s Agata Kaczmarska — a seasoned opponent — where Nupur narrowly missed out on gold, losing by a 3-2 split decision. Despite the narrow loss, her campaign stood out for its tenacity and composure under pressure. Every round highlighted her calculated aggression, mental resilience, and technical finesse — attributes that firmly established her as one of India’s most promising heavyweights.

Nupur’s silver was not just a personal achievement, but a significant contribution to India’s overall success at the championships, where the country finished with four medals, including two historic golds and a bronze.

The gold medal glory was led by Jaismine Lamboria in the 57kg category, who stunned Olympic silver medallist Julia Szeremeta of Poland in the final with a dominant performance, securing a 4-1 split decision. Jaismine, who had a disappointing early exit at Paris 2024, made a stunning comeback with four straight 5-0 unanimous victories en route to her title win.

Adding to the triumph was Minakshi Hooda, who became the world champion in the 48kg category after edging out Kazakhstan’s Olympic bronze medallist Nazym Kyzaibay with a 4-1 decision in the final. Minakshi’s campaign was marked by clear dominance, as she beat challengers from Mongolia, England, and China — all through unanimous decisions.

The fourth medal for India came through seasoned Olympian Pooja Rani in the 80kg category, who secured a bronze after reaching the semi-finals. She lost to Emily Asquith of England in a tough 4-1 bout.

India had fielded a robust squad of 20 boxers at the event, including Tokyo 2020 bronze medallist Lovlina Borgohain and two-time world champion Nikhat Zareen. While Borgohain and Zareen exited earlier than expected, the emergence of new champions like Jaismine, Minakshi, and Nupur Sheoran underscores the promising depth and future of Indian women’s boxing.

Jaismine and Minakshi’s victories are especially noteworthy as they became India’s first world champions under the new governing body, World Boxing, signalling a fresh era for the sport in the country.

Nupur Sheoran’s silver medal is a beacon of inspiration for aspiring boxers, especially in the heavyweight division where opportunities and visibility have traditionally been limited. Her journey reflects grit, discipline, and the relentless pursuit of excellence — traits that define champions.

As India looks ahead to the next Olympic cycle, the performance in Liverpool offers hope, momentum, and a reminder that Indian women in the ring are not just contenders — they are champions in the making.