Published: February 17, 2026 at 10:17 pm
In a proud moment for Telangana boxing, Pawan Sai Shaka, gold medalist of the 1st CM Cup State Boxing Championship, will take part in the national selection trials for a place in the Indian team for the Youth World Boxing Championships in Thailand. He will compete in the 54 kg category.
The selection trials will be held at the Army Sports Institute in Pune this week. Currently, around 20 boxers are in the probable list, competing for a final place in the Indian squad.
Pawan Sai Shaka came into the spotlight after winning the Chief Minister’s Cup. The CM Cup, supported by the government of Telangana and the Sports Authority of Telangana, has become an important platform for young athletes to showcase their talent and progress to higher levels of competition.
Pawan trains at LB Stadium, Hyderabad, under coach Omkar Yadav.
Pawan Sai Shaka came into the spotlight after winning the Chief Minister’s Cup
Coach Omkar Yadav is known for spotting and guiding World Champion Nikhat Zareen in her early years. He has also trained several talented boxers including Nikhat Zareen, Niharika Gonella, Swapna Priya, Pawan Sai Shaka and many other young athletes, making LB Stadium a key centre for grassroots boxing in the state.
Wishing him ahead of the trials, coach Omkar Yadav said: “Pawan has worked very hard for this opportunity. He is disciplined and always eager to learn. I am confident he will give his best in Pune. I wish him good luck and hope he gets selected to represent India.”
If selected, Pawan Sai Shaka will represent India at the Youth World Boxing Championships in Thailand, one of the biggest youth boxing tournaments in the world.
His journey from a state-level CM Cup champion to national selection trials highlights how grassroots initiatives and government-supported competitions are helping young sportspersons from Telangana move towards the international stage.
