Glasgow: Indian boxer Sachin Siwach overcame a strong challenge from Canada’s Keoma Al-Ahmadieh to advance to the round of 16 at the Commonwealth Games 2026 boxing competition on Saturday. The Bhiwani-born boxer, considered one of India’s leading medal hopes in the tournament, secured a hard-fought 4-1 split decision victory in the men’s opening round at the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) Centre.

Sachin relied on his experience and previous victories over Al-Ahmadieh to remain calm under pressure and book his place in the pre-quarterfinal stage. The Indian boxer will now face England’s William Hewitt in the round of 16 as he continues his pursuit of a Commonwealth Games medal.

Sachin battles familiar opponent to progress

The opening bout was expected to be a challenging contest as Sachin had already faced Al-Ahmadieh twice in international competitions. The Indian had defeated the Canadian boxer at the Boxam Tournament in Spain earlier this year and also emerged victorious against him at the World Cup in Kazakhstan last year.

Despite those previous wins, Sachin admitted that the Commonwealth Games bout carried additional importance because of the magnitude of the event.

“It was a tough bout but I had beaten him twice before so I was pretty confident,” Sachin told PTI after the victory.

“It was important for me to defeat him today because it was at the Commonwealth Games,” he added.

The 26-year-old boxer’s experience proved crucial as he recovered from a difficult start and gradually took control of the contest.

Slow start but strong recovery from Indian boxer

Sachin did not have the best beginning to the bout. The Indian attempted an early right hook but missed, allowing Al-Ahmadieh to connect with a sharp right jab that caught him on the face.

The Canadian started aggressively, controlling the centre of the ring and forcing Sachin to move backwards. His quick combinations and attacking approach put the Indian under pressure during the opening exchanges.

However, Sachin showed his composure and experience by adapting his strategy. Instead of engaging in unnecessary exchanges, he focused on counter-attacking and used his speed and accuracy to trouble the Canadian.

As the first round progressed, Sachin found his rhythm and began landing cleaner punches. His improved performance in the latter stages helped him narrowly win the round 3-2, with three judges giving him a 10-9 score.

The early advantage gave the Indian boxer confidence heading into the next round.

Tactical approach helps Sachin take control

Knowing that Al-Ahmadieh would continue his attacking approach, Sachin adopted a smart tactical plan in the second round.

The Canadian came out aggressively once again, attempting to dictate the pace by occupying the centre of the ring. However, Sachin remained patient and avoided unnecessary risks.

Using quick footwork and effective movement, the Indian boxer successfully evaded several attacks before responding with accurate counter combinations. His ability to maintain discipline and pick the right moments to attack helped him dominate the round.

All five judges awarded Sachin a 10-9 score in the second round, giving him a significant advantage heading into the final three minutes.

The Indian boxer’s ability to manage pressure and adapt during the bout highlighted his maturity and experience at the international level.

Sachin holds nerve in final round

With qualification at stake, Al-Ahmadieh entered the final round determined to make a comeback. The Canadian increased his attacking intensity and attempted to put Sachin under constant pressure.

However, the Indian boxer remained composed and absorbed the pressure effectively. He continued to land scoring punches while avoiding unnecessary exchanges.

Sachin’s controlled approach helped him secure enough points to win the contest through a 4-1 split decision. The victory ensured his progression to the pre-quarterfinals of the Commonwealth Games.

Next challenge against England’s William Hewitt

Sachin will now shift his focus towards his round-of-16 clash against England’s William Hewitt. The bout will provide another major test for the Indian boxer as he looks to move closer to the medal rounds.

Sachin has been among India’s strongest boxing prospects in recent years and carries significant expectations at the Glasgow Games. His combination of speed, technical ability and international experience makes him one of India’s key medal contenders.

The Indian boxing team has traditionally performed strongly at the Commonwealth Games, and Sachin’s progress could play an important role in India’s overall medal hopes.

Conclusion

Sachin Siwach’s victory over Keoma Al-Ahmadieh demonstrated his ability to handle pressure on a major stage. After overcoming an early challenge and producing a tactically mature performance, the Indian boxer has moved one step closer to a Commonwealth Games medal.

With a tough round-of-16 contest against William Hewitt ahead, Sachin will aim to maintain his focus and continue India’s strong boxing tradition at the Commonwealth Games.