India’s Pooja Rani and Nupur Sheoran made history at the 2025 World Boxing Championships, held from Sept. 4 to 14 at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, by securing their first-ever medals at the prestigious event.
The World Boxing Championships, a new addition to the elite international boxing calendar, is part of the World Boxing Competition Series, developed by World Boxing, the new international federation formed to ensure boxing remains part of the Olympic movement.
Pooja Rani Ends 16-Year Wait With Bronze
Veteran boxer Pooja Rani, 34, captured a bronze medal in the 80kg category, finally reaching the World Championships podium in what was her fourth appearance at the tournament.
“It’s been 16 years. That’s a lifetime in boxing,” Pooja said. “It’s tough to put words to these emotions. I am 34 now, and this was my fourth World Championships. I would have given up had I failed. To finally have this medal feels surreal.”
A four-time Asian Championships medallist, including two golds, Pooja’s career has been marked by injuries, setbacks, and perseverance. She now eyes a return to the 75kg Olympic class with her sights set on Los Angeles 2028.
“Adaptability is one of my strengths,” she said. “You have to be able to read your opponent and alter your game plan because at international level, there’s precious little that differentiates us.”
Nupur Sheoran Wins Silver in +80kg Final
Nupur Sheoran, 26, won silver in the non-Olympic +80kg division, falling short in a 2-3 split decision loss to Agata Kaczmarska of Poland in the final.
Despite the heartbreak, Sheoran’s tone was one of relief and pride as she returned from Liverpool.
“I have never feared an opponent in my life, but each time I step in the ring, I feel [my great-grandfather Hawa Singh’s] legacy dragging me down. I hope it changes now,” Nupur said, referring to the two-time Asian Games gold medallist.
Nupur believed she let the opportunity slip against Kaczmarska. “The regret of missing gold far outweighs the delight of winning silver. I think I didn’t read her properly. I went too close. I should have stuck to my style.”
Standing 6'1", Nupur was drawn into Kaczmarska’s close-range strategy and was unable to maintain distance. Still, the silver medal marks a major milestone in her career.
Building Momentum After World Boxing Cup Success
The medals in Liverpool follow strong performances at the World Boxing Cup in Astana, where Pooja won silver and Nupur claimed gold. Both athletes credit focused attention on higher weight divisions — traditionally not India’s strengths — for their recent success.
Looking ahead, both Pooja and Nupur are expected to compete next at the World Boxing Cup Final in New Delhi later this year.
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