Minakshi Hooda etched her name in history by becoming only the second Indian boxer to claim a gold medal at the 2025 World Boxing Championships held in Liverpool. On a memorable Sunday, the towering 24-year-old from Rurki outclassed Kazakhstan’s seasoned fighter Nazym Kyzaibay with a commanding 4-1 victory. The bout served as a thrilling rematch of this year’s World Cup final in Astana, where Kyzaibay had narrowly edged out Hooda on home soil.

The historic gold has led to celebrations across India, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi extending his heartfelt congratulations to Minakshi. "Proud of Minakshi on her outstanding performance at the 2025 World Boxing Championships in Liverpool! She brings home the Gold in the 48kg category. Her success and determination are very motivating for Indian athletes. Wishing her the very best for her upcoming endeavours," wrote Modi on X.