Indian Boxers Shine at Commonwealth Games 2026
In the words of Conor McGregor, “Precision beats power and timing beats speed.” These words ring true for India’s boxers after their outstanding performance at the Commonwealth Games 2026. They didn’t just outshine their competition; they truly showcased their potential on a big stage.
Even before the boxing events began on August 1, India had already guaranteed 10 medals, a remarkable achievement in itself. But the excitement didn’t stop there.
A Record-Breaking Performance
India concluded the event with seven gold and three silver medals, marking one of its most successful outings in Commonwealth boxing history. In comparison, the previous Games saw India win three gold, three silver, and three bronze medals in Gold Coast 2018, and three gold, one silver, and three bronze medals in Birmingham 2022.
Given that past achievements, it would have been a disappointment to secure anything less than seven gold medals this time around.
Spotlight on Women Boxers
The success started with the women’s boxing team, as each fighter stepped up impressively. What contributed to this leap in performance? Have Indian boxers truly reached a new level? Most importantly, can they keep this momentum going into future major events?
Looking at the women’s boxing squad now shows India has a robust talent pool ready to compete with the world’s best. Fighters like Sakshi Chaudhary, who filled in for Nikhat Zareen in the 51kg category, joined forces with Preeti Pawar, Jaismine Lamboriya, and Lovlina Borgohain to form a formidable team.
Adding Priya Ghanghas to such strong contenders makes the lineup even more enviable to other countries. Jaismine, the current champion in the 57kg division, proved her worth by going up against seasoned competitor Michaela Walsh.
On the men’s side, Sachin Siwach, Jadumani Singh, and Ankush Panghal displayed the confidence and flair you want to see in boxers. The 54kg division has become especially competitive within the Indian ranks, which makes Preeti’s achievements even more noteworthy.
According to Sarita Devi, Jadumani’s coach, there’s been a visible change in Indian boxing since the last Olympics. She believes today’s boxers are more focused and dedicated to their training.
A New Approach
Ankush Panghal’s gold medal fight demonstrated a key change in mindset for Indian boxers: patience. After starting too aggressively and losing the first round, Ankush listened to his coaches and calmly worked his way back into the match without rushing.
This level-headedness wasn’t exclusive to Ankush; every Indian boxer displayed a similar calmness. Even after losing an early round, they maintained composure, sticking to their game plans.
Sarita Devi attributes this focus to the boxers’ determination and believes all they sometimes need is the right guidance from their coaches.
Looking Ahead: The Asian Games
Now that the celebrations have started to fade, it’s important to return to reality. While the achievements at the Commonwealth Games were impressive, the upcoming Asian Games will pose a much tougher challenge.
At Glasgow, only a few Indian boxers had Olympic experience. However, the Asian Games will feature stronger competitors from countries like China and Uzbekistan, which weren’t present at the Commonwealth Games.
Sarita Devi emphasized that if Indian boxers want to replicate their recent success, they need to focus on recovery and not get carried away by their fame. “Focus on recovery first. Regardless of winning or losing, boxing is punishing, and it’s essential to prioritize your physical well-being,” she advised.
Devi also pointed out that while their stamina and strength are commendable, the focus should now shift to refining their techniques.
Building Confidence
One invaluable takeaway from the Commonwealth Games is the confidence that Indian boxers now possess. This newfound self-belief can significantly impact their performance at the Asian Games.
“This confidence will follow us to Asia. The team is strong and in high spirits,” Sarita said, emphasizing the importance of mental strength as they prepare for the next challenge.
The benchmark has been set in Glasgow, but for Indian boxing, the real test lies not just in celebrating their wins but in establishing new standards for future competitions.
As they aim for the long-term goal of success at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, the immediate challenge is to carry this momentum into the upcoming Asian Games and prove that their recent triumph was not just a stroke of luck.
Published On: Aug 4, 2026
