India’s journey in the world of boxing has evolved from humble beginnings to a formidable presence on the global stage. Over the decades, Indian boxers have made their mark through fierce determination, technical brilliance, and an indomitable fighting spirit. From the gritty streets of Haryana to the arenas of the Olympics and World Championships, these fighters have brought national pride and global recognition to Indian boxing.
This list of the Top 10 Indian boxers of all time celebrates legends who have carved their names in history, both in amateur and professional circuits. These athletes have overcome social, financial, and systemic challenges to rise as icons of strength and discipline. Whether it’s Olympic medals, world titles, or record-breaking national wins, each boxer featured here has contributed immensely to shaping India’s boxing identity.
Some of them are pioneers who laid the foundation, while others are modern champions inspiring millions today. The list spans across generations—featuring names who lit the path and those who now carry the torch forward. These ten titans symbolize courage in the ring and honor outside it. Let’s step into the world of India’s finest fighters and explore the extraordinary legacy of Indian boxing.
Top 10 Indian Boxers you must know:
10. Shiva Thapa
Shiva Thapa, the youngest Indian boxer to qualify for the Olympics, has consistently been a standout performer in the bantamweight and lightweight categories. Hailing from Assam, Thapa made headlines by winning gold at the Asian Confederation Boxing Championship and a bronze at the World Championships. His speed, agility, and technical precision make him one of India’s most exciting boxing talents.
A five-time Asian medallist, he has shown exceptional consistency across formats and continues to be a vital part of India’s boxing setup. Shiva has represented the nation in multiple World Championships and Asian Games, and his dedication to the sport continues to inspire upcoming athletes from the northeast region. Among the top 10 Indian boxers of all time, Thapa’s blend of youth and experience marks him as a true stalwart who is still adding to his impressive legacy with each bout.
| Major Career Highlight | Event |
| Bronze | 2015 AIBA World Boxing Championships |
9. Akhil Kumar
Akhil Kumar is known for his unorthodox and aggressive style that earned him victories against top-ranked global opponents. His most memorable moment came during the 2008 Beijing Olympics when he defeated former world champion Sergey Vodopyanov in a stunning performance. Akhil was one of the earliest modern Indian boxers to gain international recognition and helped usher in a new era for the sport in the country.
A gold medallist at the 2006 Commonwealth Games, his dominance in the featherweight category laid the groundwork for future Indian boxing stars. Akhil’s footwork and unpredictable strategy made him difficult to box against and exciting to watch. As one of the top 10 Indian boxers, his impact extends beyond medals—he brought visibility and respect to Indian boxing during a pivotal time in its development and remains a source of motivation for the next generation.
| Major Career Highlight | Event |
| Gold | 2006 Commonwealth Games |
8. Dinesh Kumar
Dinesh Kumar may not be as widely known as some of his contemporaries, but his achievements and contribution to Indian boxing remain significant. Specializing in the light heavyweight division, Kumar won a silver medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi and a bronze at the 2010 Asian Games. His strength, technique, and endurance were key elements in his style, allowing him to dominate opponents in physically demanding bouts.
Kumar was also a national champion multiple times, proving his consistency and skill across years of competition. Injuries cut his career shorter than expected, but during his prime, he was regarded as a fierce and intelligent boxer in the ring. Among the top 10 Indian boxers of all time, Dinesh Kumar stands as a symbol of perseverance and power, particularly representing a weight class in which India has traditionally found fewer successes.
| Major Career Highlight | Event |
| Silver | 2010 Commonwealth Games |
7. Gaurav Bidhuri
Gaurav Bidhuri made history by becoming only the fourth Indian male boxer to win a medal at the AIBA World Boxing Championships, securing a bronze in 2017 in the bantamweight category. What made this feat more impressive was that he was included in the championship squad as a wild card entrant. Coming from a modest background in Delhi, Gaurav’s rise to international acclaim is a testament to his relentless work ethic and family support, especially from his father, who was also a boxing coach.
His counter-attacking style and mental composure have helped him perform well under pressure. Gaurav has also consistently delivered at national championships and is seen as a reliable and seasoned competitor. As one of the top 10 Indian boxers, his achievements stand as an example of seizing opportunity and proving doubters wrong through sheer performance and grit.
| Major Career Highlight | Event |
| Bronze | 2017 AIBA World Championships |
6. Suranjoy Singh
Nicknamed “Little Tyson” for his explosive punching and aggressive approach, Suranjoy Singh was one of India’s most dominant flyweight boxers in the late 2000s. His gold medal win at the 2009 Asian Championships and another at the 2010 Commonwealth Games highlighted his peak form. Suranjoy was the first Indian boxer to win gold at the President’s Cup in Indonesia in 2009, an event considered highly prestigious.
He was known for his relentless pace, high-volume punches, and fearless attitude in the ring. Though injuries forced him to retire prematurely, his influence on Indian boxing was significant. His success inspired many young athletes from the northeast, particularly Manipur, which has since become a boxing powerhouse. Suranjoy Singh’s legacy ensures his place among the top 10 Indian boxers of all time, especially for how he elevated India’s profile in international amateur boxing.
| Major Career Highlight | Event |
| Gold | 2010 Commonwealth Games |
5. Jitender Kumar
Jitender Kumar rose to prominence during the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where his quarterfinal finish in the flyweight division caught national attention. A gritty and determined fighter from Haryana, he also bagged a bronze medal at the 2006 Commonwealth Games and reached the semifinals of several other international tournaments.
His defensive capabilities and smart counter-punching style made him one of India’s most dependable boxers during his active years. Jitender was part of the core team that laid the foundation for the boxing revolution that India witnessed in the 2000s. Though he narrowly missed an Olympic medal, his efforts brought immense respect to Indian boxing. As one of the top 10 Indian boxers of all time, Jitender’s career is a testament to consistent performance, discipline, and resilience, making him a role model for emerging talent in India.
| Major Career Highlight | Event |
| Quarterfinalist | 2008 Beijing Olympics |
4. Vikas Krishan Yadav
Vikas Krishan Yadav is one of India’s most decorated and versatile boxers, having won medals at the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and World Championships. Competing in multiple weight categories, from lightweight to middleweight, Vikas has displayed remarkable adaptability and technical prowess. His bronze at the 2011 World Championships and gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games remain major highlights.
With multiple Olympic appearances under his belt, he has consistently been among India’s top medal hopefuls. Off the ring, Vikas has also balanced roles in the Indian Army and government services, showing his commitment beyond sport. He is often praised for his calm demeanour, boxing intelligence, and ability to control the pace of a match. Vikas Krishan Yadav rightly features in the top 10 Indian boxers for his longevity, international success, and his role in keeping Indian boxing competitive on the world stage.
| Major Career Highlight | Event |
| Gold | 2018 Commonwealth Games |
3. Vijender Singh
Vijender Singh is a trailblazer who brought Indian boxing to the mainstream. His bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics marked the first-ever Olympic medal for an Indian boxer and changed the public perception of the sport overnight. Vijender also won medals at the World Championships and the Commonwealth Games, showcasing his consistency on the biggest stages.
Known for his charisma, discipline, and stylish fighting style, he later transitioned successfully into professional boxing, remaining unbeaten for a long stretch. His crossover into professional sports and entertainment helped grow boxing’s popularity across the nation. Vijender’s impact on Indian boxing goes beyond titles—he opened doors for a new generation of fighters and built a boxing culture that still thrives today. As one of the top 10 Indian boxers of all time, his legacy as a pioneer and champion is unmatched in Indian sporting history.
| Major Career Highlight | Event |
| Bronze | 2008 Beijing Olympics |
2. Lovlina Borgohain
Lovlina Borgohain made history by winning the bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, becoming only the third Indian boxer to achieve an Olympic podium finish. Competing in the welterweight category, she has also won medals at the World Championships and Asian Championships, showcasing her ability to perform on multiple big stages.
Hailing from Assam, Lovlina’s journey has inspired countless young girls from rural India to dream big. Her calm approach in the ring, sharp footwork, and strong tactical awareness make her one of India’s most promising boxing talents. With many competitive years still ahead of her, Lovlina is expected to lead Indian boxing into a new era. Among the top 10 Indian boxers, Lovlina stands out not only for her achievements but also for breaking barriers and championing gender equality in Indian sports through her discipline and resilience.
| Major Career Highlight | Event |
| Bronze | 2020 Tokyo Olympics |
1. Mary Kom
Mary Kom is a legend whose name defines Indian boxing. A six-time World Champion and Olympic bronze medalist, Mary has been the face of women’s boxing in India for over two decades. Hailing from Manipur, she overcame socio-economic hardships to reach the pinnacle of the sport. Her bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics marked a historic moment, as it was the debut of women’s boxing in the Olympics.
Mary’s fighting style blends speed, intelligence, and heart, making her one of the most respected boxers globally. She has also received the Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri, and the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna for her extraordinary contributions. As the undisputed number one in the list of top 10 Indian boxers of all time, Mary Kom’s story is not just about medals—it’s about breaking stereotypes, leading a revolution, and inspiring generations with her unmatched spirit.
| Major Career Highlight | Event |
| 6× World Champion | AIBA Women’s World Championships |
FAQs
Q1. Who is the greatest Indian boxer of all time?
Mary Kom is widely regarded as the greatest Indian boxer of all time, with six World Championship titles and an Olympic bronze medal to her name.
Q2. How many Olympic medals has India won in boxing?
India has won a total of 3 Olympic boxing medals—by Vijender Singh (2008), Mary Kom (2012), and Lovlina Borgohain (2020), all featured in the top 10 Indian boxers.
Q3. Which Indian male boxer turned professional successfully?
Vijender Singh transitioned into professional boxing in 2015 and remained unbeaten for several matches, making him one of the top 10 Indian boxers of all time.
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