Hitesh Gulia's Brazilian Training Fuels Boxing Success Ahead of Championships

Hitesh Gulia, a promising Indian boxer from Jhajjar district in Haryana, has made headlines in the boxing world by securing a gold medal in the men's 70kg division at the inaugural World Boxing Cup held in Brazil, along with a silver medal in Kazakhstan. His recent performances have positioned him as a leading contender for the upcoming World Championships in Liverpool and the Asian Games in 2026.

Gulia's journey to success has been marked by significant achievements at a young age. After starting boxing in 2014 with the aim of improving his fitness, he quickly rose through the ranks, demonstrating his talent and determination. Notably, he became the first Indian boxer to win gold at the newly launched World Boxing Cup, a premier event organized by the global governing body for the sport, World Boxing (WB).

In his recent competitions, Gulia showcased his skills by reaching the final in Kazakhstan, where he narrowly missed the gold, losing to Brazil’s Kaian Oliveira. This series of achievements has not only boosted his confidence but also established him as a strong favorite for future contests. "Winning a gold and silver will definitely boost my confidence ahead of the World Championships. I want to win gold there," Gulia stated in an interview with the Times of India.

His training in Brazil, which involved sparring with international boxers, has been pivotal in refining his techniques and enhancing his competitive edge. Gulia emphasized the importance of this training, saying, "I trained for the World Cups in Brazil with international boxers. That experience helped me a lot."

Hitesh's background adds a compelling layer to his story. Coming from a humble family, his father, Satya Prakash, worked as a farmer and later as a driver. The family faced financial difficulties, particularly after Satya Prakash underwent knee surgery that strained their resources. In a significant sacrifice, his father sold their ancestral home to support Hitesh's boxing career and the family's needs. This commitment has not gone unnoticed by Gulia, who expressed gratitude for the support he has received, stating, "I am happy that I have been able to repay the faith and support shown by my family. The monetary rewards and recognition through boxing helped us financially."

Gulia's ascent in the boxing scene has been steady since he joined the senior India national camp last year. His competitive spirit was evident as he participated in the Elorda Cup in Astana, albeit facing early elimination. However, he bounced back by winning gold medals at various national competitions, including the Inter-Services meet, the boxing Nationals, and the National Games in Uttarakhand earlier this year.

Looking ahead, Gulia's aspirations are high as he aims to excel at the World Championships in Liverpool scheduled for September 2025. Furthermore, the prospect of competing in front of a home crowd during the World Boxing Cup Finals in India later this year adds to his motivation to succeed. As he prepares for these significant events, Gulia's story serves as an inspiration, reflecting resilience, dedication, and the power of family support in pursuing one’s dreams in sports.