Indian Sports wrap, October 26: Aditya reaches 55kg final at World Boxing U-19 Championships

India’s Aditya (third from right) defeated Nihat Gasimov of Azerbaijan in the men’s 55kg semifinals at the World Boxing U-19 Championships on Sunday. | Photo Credit: BOXING FEDERATION OF INDIA

BOXING

World Boxing U-19 Championships: Dominant Aditya eases into gold medal bout against Magomedov of Russia

Aditya became the second Indian boxer to make it to the finals of the 2026 World Boxing U-19 Championships in Budva, Montenegro, as he defeated Nihat Gasimov of Azerbaijan in the men’s 55kg semifinals on Sunday evening.

Aditya, the Asian U-19 silver medallist, was dominant through the three rounds to bag a 5:0 verdict from the judges and will now face Islam Magomedov of Russia in the gold meda bout.

Megha Sheokand had earlier clinched the final spot in the women’s 80kg category with a RSC win over Meerim Chynybekova of Kyrgyzstan in the semifinals.

India will also come home with two bronze medals.

On Sunday evening, Harshika’s gallant fight against USA’s Lauryn Elmore was not enough as she ended on the wrong side of the 3:2 verdict in the women’s 65kg semifinals.

Earlier, Prachi Tokas had bagged a bronze medal in the women’s 80+kg category after losing her semifinal bout.

MOTORSPORT

John Abraham joins Indian Superbike League as Strategic Advisor

Actor-entrepreneur John Abraham has joined Indian Superbike League (ISBL) as its Strategic Advisor. | Photo Credit: Indian Superbike League

Actor-entrepreneur John Abraham has joined Indian Superbike League (ISBL) as its Strategic Advisor.

Sanctioned by the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI), ISBL will operate as a franchise-based championship featuring two Pro categories, Amateur, Female Riders and Rookie classes. ISBL aims to create a structured competitive environment for riders while opening opportunities across teams, technical personnel, brands, creators and the wider motorsport ecosystem.

Speaking about his association with ISBL, Abraham said, “Motorcycles have always been a deeply personal passion. Being a sports team owner has also taught me what it takes to turn belief into sustained commitment. ISBL brings those two parts of my life together. I want to help young Indian riders get the opportunities they deserve and share the thrill of motorcycle racing with a whole new generation of fans. It’s time to Get India Racing.”

Further details on teams, riders, race formats and venues will be announced in due course.