India Knockout Nights Launches with Thrilling Boxing Matches in Mohali
Exciting Opening Night at CGC University
The Centre Lawn at CGC University in Mohali transformed into a vibrant boxing venue as the inaugural night of India Knockout Nights showcased electrifying bouts before an enthusiastic audience of nearly 3,000 spectators. This unique event, organized by the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS) in partnership with professional boxer Neeraj Goyat, featured eight competitive matches across various weight classes, marking a pivotal moment in the development of a structured professional boxing framework in India.
Thrilling Matches Set the Tone
The event commenced on Thursday with an exhilarating superfly match between Shiksha and Jyoti, which captivated the audience. Shiksha claimed victory after four intense rounds, keeping the crowd engaged throughout the contest. The atmosphere remained charged as fans cheered until the final bell.
A New Era for Indian Boxing
India Knockout Nights is envisioned as a multi-city professional boxing league that will host regular fight nights, offering Indian boxers consistent competitive opportunities across divisions and weight categories. This initiative aims to bridge a significant gap in Indian boxing by establishing a regular competition circuit, allowing athletes to gain experience and build sustainable careers beyond major multi-sport events.
Visionary Leadership Behind the Initiative
Manisha Malhotra, President of the Inspire Institute of Sport, expressed her excitement about the turnout, stating, "It's wonderful to see such a strong crowd and young people enjoying boxing up close. This experience is invaluable, and we are committed to enhancing this platform. Our goal is to promote boxing through visibility, talent development, and creating genuine career pathways for athletes. This is a crucial step forward."
Neeraj Goyat, co-founder of India Knockout Nights, remarked, "This inaugural edition was a learning experience, and I believe it will only expand. The crowd's energy was incredible. I've long dreamed of being part of a movement like this, and it's gratifying to see it come to fruition."
JSW Sports CEO Divyanshu Singh added, "Platforms like India Knockout Nights are exciting as they establish a real competition pathway for Indian boxers. Regular competition is essential for athlete development, and initiatives like this can significantly contribute to the sport's growth in the country."
Results of the Matches
The results from the opening night are as follows:
- Deepak Tanwar defeated Saksham Singh - Light Heavyweight
- Sandeep Nain vs Ankit Kuar (Tie) - Super Middleweight
- Gurdeep Singh beat Ritesh Bisht - Exhibition
- Shweta defeated Nandini - Lightweight
- Ashish Siwach beat Kavi Kumar - Super Featherweight
- Vikas defeated Amit Yadav - Welterweight
- Ankit Singh beat Arshdeep Singh - Cruiserweight
- Shiksha defeated Jyoti - Superfly
Looking Ahead
With a successful opening night and positive fan engagement, India Knockout Nights has set the stage for what aspires to be a long-term platform dedicated to Indian boxing, emphasizing competition, entertainment, and athlete development.