Indonesian Women Boxers Reach Asian Boxing Semifinals

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia secured two more semifinal places at the 2026 Asian Boxing U19 & U23 Championships after Maria Meisita Manguntu and Linda Sari Langi Maililin won their quarterfinal bouts, boosting the host nation's medal hopes and showcasing the progress of its young boxing talent.

National boxing coach Husni Ray said both athletes delivered strong performances to earn victories at Basket Hall, Senayan, Jakarta, on Wednesday, July 8, 2026.

"Maria and Linda reached the semifinals after defeating opponents from Taipei and Uzbekistan today," Husni said after the competition, on Wednesday, July 8, as quoted by Antara.

Competing in the women's light welterweight (65kg) division, Maria defeated her Taipei opponent by majority decision. Four judges scored the bout 29-27 in her favor, while one judge recorded a 28-28 draw. She will face a boxer from Uzbekistan in the semifinals.

Linda also advanced after edging Uzbekistan's Robiyakhon Bakhtiyorova by split decision in the women's minimumweight (45-48kg) category. Three judges awarded Linda a 29-28 victory, while the remaining two judges scored the contest 29-28 for her opponent.

Linda is scheduled to meet a boxer from Mongolia in the semifinals on Sunday, July 12.

Another Indonesian boxer, Nurul Izzah Nuhehe, was eliminated in the women's featherweight (57kg) division after losing on points to Uzbekistan's Khumorabonu Mamahonova. Four judges scored the bout 27-30, while one judge gave a 26-30 verdict.

Husni praised the team's overall effort and expressed hope that the remaining athletes would maintain their form in pursuit of podium finishes.

The 2026 Asian Boxing U19 & U23 Championships feature more than 400 boxers from 26 Asian countries. Indonesia has entered 19 male and female athletes, including 10 in the U19 category and nine in U23. Most of the squad members are making their international debut, using the tournament to gain experience against Asia's top young boxers. ***

https://www.antaranews.com/berita/5641517/maria-dan-linda-melaju-ke-semifinal-asian-boxing-u19-dan-u23