India’s Boxing Team Gears Up for the Asian Games After Commonwealth Success
The Indian boxing team is stepping into the spotlight once again, fresh off a remarkable performance at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where they secured a total of seven gold medals and three silver. As they prepare for the Asian Games, the team knows that this competition will be a different challenge.
For the women’s boxing team, there’s an extra motivation. It’s been nearly a decade since India last won a gold medal in women’s boxing at the Asian Games. MC Mary Kom clinched the 51kg title in 2014, but since then, while they’ve earned several medals—four in Hangzhou last time—none have reached the gold standard.
The timing of this year’s Asian Games is noteworthy. Five of the 11 boxers representing India in Aichi-Nagoya recently struck gold at the Commonwealth Games, with three more earning silver medals. Preeti Pawar, Priya Ghanghas, and Sakshi Chaudhary all came home with gold, while Lovlina Borgohain, Jadumani Singh, and Narender Berwal claimed silver.
Although the Commonwealth Games saw India achieve its best boxing results, the Asian Games will present a tougher field. Competing against boxers from China, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, who regularly vie for world and Olympic honors, will require India’s best efforts.
Head coach Santiago Nieva understands the challenge ahead. He emphasizes that while Glasgow was impressive, it doesn’t ensure success in Aichi-Nagoya. He wants the boxers to aim for the finals, knowing that victories come with narrow margins in high-stakes matches.
Despite the challenges, there’s plenty of optimism. Preeti and Priya are current Asian champions, Lovlina is an Olympic bronze medallist and former world champion, and other boxers like Sakshi, Sachin Siwach, and Ankush Panghal arrive with Commonwealth Games gold medals under their belts.
India’s Boxing Squad Overview
India’s boxing team for the Asian Games consists of 11 athletes, with five women and six men:
Women’s Team:
- Sakshi Chaudhary (51kg): Commonwealth Games gold winner, making her Asian Games debut.
- Preeti Pawar (54kg): Experienced with a bronze from Hangzhou and gold medals from the 2026 Asian Championship and Commonwealth Games.
- Priya Ghanghas (60kg): Also a 2026 Asian champion and gold medallist from the Commonwealth Games.
- Parveen Hooda (65kg): Bronze medallist from Hangzhou, moving up in weight from 57kg.
- Lovlina Borgohain (75kg): Tokyo Olympic bronze medallist, former world champion, and silver medallist in Hangzhou.
Men’s Team:
- Jadumani Singh (55kg): Commonwealth Games silver medallist.
- Sachin Siwach (60kg): Commonwealth Games gold medallist.
- Sumit Kundu (70kg): Making his debut at the Asian Games.
- Ankush Panghal (80kg): Gold medallist at the Commonwealth Games, also an Asian Games debutant.
- Kapil Pokhariya (90kg): Another debutant at the Asian Games.
- Narender Berwal (+90kg): Bronze medallist from Hangzhou and silver medallist at the Commonwealth Games.
It’s worth noting that some Commonwealth champions, like Jaismine Lamboria and Arundhati Choudhary, are not part of this squad due to their weight classes not being included in the Asian Games.
Key Athletes to Watch
Preeti Pawar, who has an Asian Games bronze to her name, is one to watch in the 54kg category, facing tough competitors like Huang Hsiao-wen from Chinese Taipei and Kazakhstan’s Nazym Kyzaibay. Preeti’s experience, having previously beaten some of these rivals, could give her an edge.
Similarly, Priya Ghanghas will be making her first appearance at the Asian Games after two successful events. She’ll face new styles and more experienced competitors.
Lovlina Borgohain, looking to turn her past silver medals into a gold at the Asian Games, brings a wealth of experience and knows what it means to be so close yet not finish on top.
On the men’s side, Sachin Siwach and Ankush Panghal are key contenders after their gold medals at the Commonwealth Games, and Narender Berwal brings valuable experience as the only male boxer in this group with a medal from the previous Asian Games.
Upcoming Competition Schedule
The boxing events will take place from September 21 to October 2 at the Nishio Gymnasium.
Key boxing dates include:
- September 21: Events for Kapil Pokhariya, Narender Berwal, and Sumit Kundu.
- September 22: Competitions for Sakshi Chaudhary, Preeti Pawar, and Jadumani Singh.
- September 29-30: Semifinals for various weight categories.
- October 2: Finals for all weight categories.
Ultimately, the Asian Games will determine if the success in Glasgow was a turning point for Indian boxing. With a mix of youth and experience, the athletes are poised for what could be a memorable journey ahead.
