Golden Gloves: Hitesh Gulia’s Historic 2025 World Cup Knockout - India’s First Gold!
In a moment that will forever be etched in Indian boxing history, Hitesh Gulia delivered a knockout of destiny at the 2025 World Boxing Cup held in Foz Do Iguacu, Brazil. Rising above all odds, the 20-year-old pugilist became the first-ever Indian boxer to win a gold medal at this elite tournament organized by the newly-formed World Boxing body. Competing in the 70kg category, Gulia’s victory came after his opponent, England’s Odel Kamara's injuries made him withdraw from the match. His win wasn’t a stroke of luck, it was the result of countless hours of training, and a spirit that refused to bend. Alongside Gulia’s gold, Abhinash Jamwal secured a silver in the 65kg category, while Jadumani Singh Mandengbam (50kg), Manish Rathore (55kg), Sachin (60kg), and Vishal (90kg) each clinched bronze medals. With six medals in total, India’s debut performance at the World Cup roared with promise, laying the groundwork for a powerful run toward the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.From Overweight to OverpoweringHitesh’s journey began in 2014 as a 10-year-old boy weighing 50kg walked into the Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati Stadium in Jhajjar, Haryana, simply looking to shed weight. But boxing lit a fire within him. He began winning local school-level bouts, and his early achievements, including three sub-junior state gold medals, gave his family and coach the belief that he was meant for something greater. Yet the road ahead was far from smooth. Limited opportunities at the national level and the missed chance to participate in the World Youth Championships during the COVID-19 pandemic nearly dimmed his dreams. But Hitesh’s father, Satyawan Gulia, remained his pillar, always reminding him: “Your time will come.” And that time is now.The Navy's Warrior, Trained for GloryHitesh’s talent didn’t go unnoticed. While training at the SAI Center in Bhiwani, he was scouted by Indian Navy coach M. Suranjoy Singh, a former star himself. Recognizing Hitesh’s raw instinct, tactical awareness, and incredible ability to absorb instructions, the Navy inducted him right after his Class X exams in 2022, without even glancing at his marksheet. What followed was an intense journey of discipline and determination. His dedication bore fruit after the 2024 Paris Olympics—he triumphed at the Inter-Services Championship, struck gold at the National Games in Uttarakhand, and earned the title of national champion. Every punch he delivers now carries the weight of sacrifice, discipline, and relentless pursuit.Built for the Ring, Destined for GreatnessWhat sets Hitesh Gulia apart is more than his medals, it’s his mental game. Described by his childhood coach Hitesh Deshwal as calm yet deadly in the ring, Gulia’s strength lies in his sharp counter-punches, flexibility, and ability to strategize mid-fight. In the semi-final, he outboxed French Olympian Makan Traore, proving that he belongs on the world stage. He’s a fighter who was once cornered by rejection but now corners opponents with confidence. With the 2028 Olympics in sight and a gold already glistening in his young career, Hitesh Gulia isn’t just a champion, he's India’s golden storm in gloves, ready to shake the world. And we must say on the behalf of India, Bravo Hitesh!