Sakshi Chaudhary Thanks Virat Kohli for Support on Her Journey to Gold
Sakshi Chaudhary, the recent gold medalist at the Commonwealth Games, has opened up about the significant influence former Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli has had on her athletic journey. After returning to India from Glasgow, the 25-year-old boxer expressed heartfelt gratitude towards Kohli, whose foundation supported her during crucial moments of her sports career.
Serving as a Havildar in the Indian Army, Sakshi trains at the Army Sports Institute in Pune. While it was Olympic bronze medalist Vijender Singh who inspired her to start boxing, it was Kohli’s timely help that kept her motivated. “I started boxing because of Vijender Singh, but Virat Kohli’s support has also been incredible. He sponsored me, for which I am very thankful,” she stated.
Beyond financial assistance, Sakshi mentioned how Kohli has provided valuable advice on managing pressure and maintaining focus in competitions.
The Virat Kohli Foundation is well-known for its role in supporting Indian athletes across various sports. During a crucial transition in Sakshi’s career, the foundation stepped in with a three-year sponsorship that helped cover her training and competition costs when resources were limited. This support came at a time when she faced significant challenges, including serious shoulder and leg injuries that kept her out of the 2022 Commonwealth Games and the 2023 Asian Games.
To qualify for the Commonwealth Games, Sakshi needed to outshine former world champions like Nikhat Zareen and Minakshi Hooda in the 51kg flyweight category. In Glasgow, she made the strategic choice to drop from the 54kg class to 51kg, and it proved to be a wise decision. With excellent footwork and tactical skill, she reached the final and decisively defeated England’s Ruby White with a unanimous 5-0 score, securing her first Commonwealth Games gold medal.
Historic Performance by Indian Boxers
Sakshi’s gold medal was a key part of an exceptional performance by the Indian boxing team in Glasgow. India led the boxing standings, achieving a remarkable total of 10 medals, which included seven golds—a record for the country. Alongside Sakshi, other champions included Jaismine Lamboria, Preeti Pawar, Priya Ghanghas, Arundhati Choudhary, Sachin Siwach, and Ankush Panghal.
With her victory in Glasgow behind her, Sakshi is now setting her sights on the upcoming Asian Games, where she hopes to continue her winning streak on a larger stage.
