Jadumani Singh shut his critics to outclass more experienced boxers on his debut in 55kg at just-concluded Elite National Boxing Championships. He has time to adapt to the new weight class to tackle taller rivals in future.
After clinching national 55kg crown, Services boxer Jadumani Singh’s ambitious goal is to excel at 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. His immediate goal this year will be to make a big impression at the 2026 Asian Games.
The talented Army boxer from Manipur shut his critics during the just-concluded Elite National Boxing Championships held at Greater Noida in Uttar Pradesh, outclassing more experienced boxers, like Olympian and world medallist Amit Panghal and World Boxing Cup Final medallist Pawan Bartwal, on his debut to win gold in 55kg.
Upper weight
Jadumani has moved from 51kg to 55kg category. “Experts in the field advised me not to jump to 55kg from the 51kg weight class because of my short height. But I was confident that I will do well and wanted to give my best. I am happy that I have delivered,” the newly crowned national 55kg champion said.
Future Olympic weight
Olympic weight categories were changed for gender equality at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. The future Olympic weight classes recommended by World Boxing, the newly world governing body of boxing, are yet to be approved by IOC (International Olympic Council) for the Los Angeles Olympic Games in 2028.
Paris Olympic Games
At the 2024 Paris Olympic Games there were seven weight categories starting with 51kg (flyweight) while super heavy weight was plus 92kg. However, the first weight class at LA 2028 if approved by IOC will start with 50kg. At the Asian Games, the men’s competition starts from 55kg and Jadumani is keen on representing India in the weight class. He has made a point through his performance at the national championships.
Taller opponents
Olympian and 2019 Worlds medallist, Amit Panghal to some extent demonstrated during competitions that he was mentally and physically prepared to tackle taller opponents. Taking inspiration from his rival (Amit) Jadumani too has jumped into a higher weight category. It will be an exciting and challenging journey in the coming months for Jadumani.
National meet
On the basis of performance at the just concluded national championships, Boxing Federation of India (BFI) has shortlisted top four in men’s 55kg, including Pawan Bartwal and Panghal along with Jadumani for the national camp at NIS (National Institute of Sports) Patiala. Only one boxer will represent the country at the Asian Games.
Men’s weight class for Asian Games: 55Kg, 60Kg, 70Kg, 80Kg, 90Kg, +90 Kg. Recommended weight class for LA 2028: Flyweight (50kg), Bantamweight (55kg), Lightweight (60kg), Welterweight (65kg), Light middleweight (70kg), Middleweight (75kg), light heavyweight (80kg), Cruiser weight (85kg), Heavyweight (90kg), Super heavyweight (plus 90kg).
EOM.
