2023 Women's World Boxing Championships to be held in India

By: WE Staff | Thursday, 10 November 2022

The IBA Women's World Boxing Championships in 2023 will be held in India. The illustrious competition will take place here in March or April of the following year.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the International Boxing Association (IBA) and the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) was signed on in front of IBA President Umar Kremlev and BFI President Ajay Singh at a gathering in the nation's capital, at which the announcement was made.

Nikhat Zareen, the current world champion, was also present. It will be the second Women's World Championships held in India in the last six years and the third overall.

Since the Championships' debut in 2001, they have twice been held in India—at New Delhi in 2006 and 2018, respectively. The 2017 Women's Youth World Championships were also held in India.

It's interesting that Kremlev is making his first trip to India. since assuming control of the position in 2020.

"This is my first visit and it is been fantastic so far. India is very passionate about boxing and conducting the World Championship here will be the erfect opportunity to celebrate the innumerable victories as well as inspire many more women to take up the sport and popularise the game more than ever. BFI has worked effortlessly to develop boxing in India and the region and I’m sure they will stage an event to remember," said Kremlev. BFI and IBA will be working to introduce a historic bout review system at the Championships. 

The prize money for the competition will reach over INR 19.50 crore (USD 2.4 million), and the gold medalists will receive about INR 81 lakh ( USD 100,000). In recent years, boxing has rapidly expanded in India.

In recent international and multi-event competitions like the World Championships, Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games, India has consistently placed among the top 5 nations.

The chance to host the forthcoming World Championships is also evidence of the work done by the BFI to advance sport in the nation and its stature on the world stage.

"We are delighted that New Delhi has been named as the host for the World Championships 2023. Hosting three major championships in a span of seven years showcases India’s ability to build infrastructure and capabilities. This is also a reflection of the trust and importance of India in the world of boxing. A tournament of this stature also helps empower women in India giving them the belief to take up sport too,” said BFI President.

“I’m super excited and really looking forward to playing in front of the home crowds. Hosting an event of this stature is hugely prestigious and always inspires millions of young girls to take up the sport. The countdown has already begun and I am looking forward to defending my title here in New Delhi,” the reigning World Champion Zareen expressed her joy.