Minakshi reaches quarterfinals as India strengthens World Boxing Cup campaign

India's campaign at the World Boxing Cup Stage 2 in Guiyang, China, received another boost on Thursday as reigning world champion Minakshi advanced to the quarterfinals with a commanding victory in the women's 51kg category.

Competing in her new Olympic weight class, the 48kg world champion outclassed Poland's Natalia Kuczewska to secure a unanimous 5-0 decision and book her place in the last eight. The victory continued Minakshi's impressive transition to the 51kg division as she pursues success on the road to the Los Angeles Olympics.

The only other Indian boxer in action on day four, Abhinash Jamwal, exited the tournament after suffering a 0-5 defeat against Kyrgyzstan's Mirzokhid Imamnazarov in the men's 65kg category.

Seven Indians remain in medal hunt

With Minakshi's progression, India now has five boxers in the quarterfinals and two already assured of medals after reaching the semi-finals.

Nikhil (55kg), Deepak Poonia (70kg), Minakshi (51kg), Prachi (57kg) and Saneh (65kg) remain in contention for podium finishes after advancing to the quarterfinal stage.

Meanwhile, Jyoti (48kg) and Jugnoo (85kg) have already guaranteed medals for India by securing semi-final berths earlier in the competition.

India will have a busy fifth day in Guiyang, with several boxers taking the ring in crucial quarterfinal contests. Minakshi will face Kazakhstan's Alua Balkibekova in the women's 51kg category, while Saneh takes on Poland's Kinga Krowka in the women's 65kg division.

In the men's draw, Nikhil will meet Azerbaijan's Amin Mammadzada in the 55kg category, while Deepak Poonia faces another Azerbaijani opponent, Nabi Isgandarov, in the 70kg quarterfinal. Prachi will also be in action against Chinese Taipei's Chengyu Yang in the women's 57kg event.

The results of these bouts will determine how many Indian boxers progress into the medal rounds of the tournament.