CWG 2026: Preeti Pawar and Priya Ghanghas assure India of boxing medals

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Indian boxer Preeti Pawar expressed delight after guaranteeing herself a medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games by progressing to the women’s 54kg semifinals, adding that her full focus is now on upgrading its colour to gold.

Preeti delivered a commanding performance to defeat Scotland’s Nicole Clyde by a unanimous 5-0 scoreline in their quarterfinal clash, securing her spot in the last four. With both losing semifinalists in Commonwealth Games boxing earning bronze, her victory ensured another podium finish for India.

Reflecting on her performance, Preeti told ANI, “I am overjoyed. I have secured a medal, and now my next target is to focus on the upcoming bout and change the colour of that medal. My confidence has grown, and that will help me perform even better in the next bout.”

The Indian boxer maintained complete command throughout the fight, leaving no doubt as all five judges ruled in her favour. She is scheduled to face Zambia’s Catherine Mwape in Friday’s semifinal.

Mwape earned her place in the final four following a remarkable quarterfinal fightback. After dropping the opening game 5-0, the Zambian rallied to claim a 3-2 split-decision victory to set up the clash with Preeti.

Priya Ghanghas pulls off comeback win to join Preeti in last four

India’s boxing squad received a further boost as reigning Asian champion Priya Ghanghas also advanced to the semifinals with a hard-fought comeback win over Scotland’s Niamh Mitchell in the women’s 60kg quarterfinal.

Facing the home favourite, Priya lost the first round 4-1 as Mitchell utilised her stance and quick movement to good effect. However, the Indian responded positively in the second round, applying continuous pressure to win it 4-1 and restore parity.

Carrying that momentum into the final round, Priya outmanoeuvred Mitchell with technical precision, earning a unanimous decision from the judges to complete a memorable comeback and keep her gold medal ambitions alive.

With both Preeti Pawar and Priya Ghanghas advancing to the semifinals, India has locked down at least two additional boxing medals at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games while remaining strongly in the running for gold.

(With inputs from ANI)

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