Chandigarh/New Delhi, Sept 14 — Jaismine Lamboria of Haryana scripted history late Saturday night, clinching the featherweight (57kg) gold medal at the World Boxing Championships with a decisive 4-1 win over Paris Olympics silver medallist Julia Szeremeta of Poland. The victory made the 24-year-old the ninth Indian boxer to be crowned world champion, joining the illustrious company of Mary Kom, Nikhat Zareen and Lovlina Borgohain.
Jaismine, competing in her third Worlds, overcame a shaky start to outclass Szeremeta in the summit clash. After dropping the opening round 2-3, she adjusted her rhythm and used her superior reach to dictate the pace, landing crisp combinations and keeping the Pole at bay. Judges scored the bout 30-27, 29-28, 30-27, 28-29, 29-28 in her favour.
“When the verdict was announced, Jaismine, usually composed, let out a brief yell and raised her hand before embracing her opponent,” reported the organisers. Her eyes welled up during the medal ceremony as the national anthem played.
The victory capped a dominant campaign for Jaismine, who had grown steadily into the tournament. She is now the latest addition to India’s roll of world champions, a list that includes six-time winner Mary Kom, two-time champion Nikhat Zareen, Sarita Devi, Jenny RL, Lekha KC, Nitu Ghanghas, Lovlina Borgohain and Saweety Boora.
Haryana’s dominance was further underlined by two more medals — a silver from Nupur Sheoran (80+kg) and a bronze from seasoned Pooja Rani (80kg).
Nupur settled for silver after a narrow 2-3 loss to Poland’s Agata Kaczmarska in the super heavyweight final. The Indian began aggressively, using her reach to land early punches, but Kaczmarska responded with relentless forward movement, slipping through Nupur’s guard and countering with body shots. As the rounds wore on, Nupur grew tentative, and in the final round a sharp uppercut from Kaczmarska proved decisive. Judges awarded the Pole a split win, handing her her maiden crown.
Despite the setback, Nupur’s silver marked a significant achievement in only her second major international final. “She had the advantage in height but was unable to impose herself as the fight progressed,” said a coach familiar with the contest.
Earlier in the semifinals, veteran Pooja Rani secured bronze after a 1-4 loss to Britain’s Emily Asquith. The 34-year-old started well, winning the first round with her measured combinations, but Asquith quickly adapted. The local favourite pressed forward with sharper counters and greater intensity, overturning Pooja’s advantage to seal the bout.
With three medals — gold for Jaismine, silver for Nupur, and bronze for Pooja — India wrapped up their campaign on a strong note, reaffirming Haryana’s stature as the powerhouse of Indian women’s boxing.
