Glasgow: India’s boxing contingent continued its impressive run at the Commonwealth Games 2026, with Priya Ghanghas, Preeti Pawar and Jadumani Singh storming into the semifinals and assuring the country of at least three bronze medals. The trio delivered contrasting yet equally effective performances to keep India’s medal hopes alive in boxing.
However, it was Priya Ghanghas who stole the spotlight with a spirited comeback victory over Scotland’s Niamh Mitchell, silencing a vocal home crowd in a thrilling quarterfinal bout.
Priya’s grit shines under pressure
Facing an electrifying atmosphere, Priya walked into a hostile arena with the crowd firmly backing the home favourite. Despite matching Mitchell punch for punch, the Indian trailed after the first round, with four of the five judges scoring in favour of the Scot.
Unfazed by the early setback, Priya raised her intensity in the second round. She pressed forward aggressively, landing clean combinations and forcing Mitchell onto the defensive. Both boxers had a point deducted — Priya for lowering her head and Mitchell for excessive clinching — but the Indian maintained control to level the contest.
In the decisive third round, Priya displayed composure and precision, landing the more effective punches to edge out a hard-fought split-decision victory. The judges scored the bout 28-27, 28-27, 27-28, 28-27 and 29-26 in her favour.
Reflecting on her win, Priya summed up the moment with pride: defeating a Scottish opponent in Scotland made the victory even more special.
Preeti Pawar dominates with ease
While Priya’s win was defined by resilience, Preeti Pawar’s performance was marked by complete dominance. The Asian Games bronze medallist outclassed Northern Ireland’s Nicole Clyde with a unanimous 5-0 decision in the women’s 54kg category.
From the opening bell, Preeti controlled the bout with superior speed, sharp footwork and precise punch selection. Despite giving away height, she dictated the pace and repeatedly pierced Clyde’s guard with crisp combinations.
She comfortably won the first round across all judges’ scorecards and continued in the same vein in the second, leaving her opponent struggling to respond. With the result all but sealed, Preeti showcased maturity in the final round to secure a comprehensive victory.
The win guarantees Preeti her maiden Commonwealth Games medal. She will now face Zambia’s Catherine Mwape in the semifinals.
Jadumani Singh stays in control
In the men’s 55kg category, Jadumani Singh delivered a clinical performance to defeat Zambia’s Mwengo Mwale by unanimous decision.
The Manipuri boxer was in command from the outset, using his technical superiority and sharp counter-punching to dominate the contest. Jadumani rarely allowed his opponent to settle, mixing his attacks effectively and consistently landing the cleaner blows.
His disciplined approach and ring awareness earned him a 5-0 verdict from the judges, ensuring his progression to the semifinals and securing at least a bronze medal.
Parveen Hooda bows out
In contrast, Parveen Hooda’s campaign came to an end after a narrow 2-3 defeat to England’s Sacha Hickey. Despite a spirited effort, Parveen fell just short in a closely contested bout.
Conclusion
India’s strong showing in boxing at the Commonwealth Games 2026 reflects the depth and quality of its talent pool. With Priya Ghanghas, Preeti Pawar and Jadumani Singh assured of medals and eyeing bigger honours, the country’s boxing campaign is poised for further success. Their performances not only highlight individual brilliance but also reinforce India’s growing stature in international boxing.