India Assured of Two Medals at World Boxing U-19 Championships as Megha Storms Into Semis

India’s medal hopes received a major boost at the World Boxing U-19 Championships in Budva, Montenegro, as Megha Sheokand and Prachi Tokas secured places in the semifinals in their respective weight categories.

Megha became the second Indian boxer to be assured of a medal on Friday after delivering a commanding performance against Turkey’s Melisa Eroglu in the women’s 80kg category. The Indian won the quarterfinal bout 5-0, securing her place in the last four and guaranteeing herself at least a bronze medal.

Earlier, Prachi Tokas had assured India of its first medal at the championships in the women’s 57kg category. The Asian U-19 champion continued her impressive run with a dominant victory over Canada’s Alie Chartier.

Prachi controlled the contest from the outset, forcing the referee to administer a count to Chartier once in the opening round and twice in the second. The bout was subsequently stopped, with the Indian declared the winner by Referee Stops Contest (RSC).

With both boxers reaching the semifinals, India now has two confirmed medal-winning performances at the tournament, underlining the country’s promising talent at the junior level.

However, the championships also brought disappointment for some members of the Indian contingent. Himanshi bowed out in the women’s 48kg category after losing 1-4 to Ireland’s Ellen Joyce in the pre-quarterfinals.

On Thursday, Anshika’s campaign in the women’s 75kg category ended in the pre-quarterfinal stage after she suffered a defeat by RSC against China’s Shengjie Gong.

With Megha and Prachi through to the semifinals, India will look to build on its medal tally as the young boxers continue their campaigns at the prestigious international tournament.