Indian boxing has a new benchmark. It’s not Delhi 2010 or Gold Coast 2018 or Birmingham 2022. It’s Glasgow 2026.
With Arundhati Choudhary’s clinical victory in the women’s 70kg final on Saturday, India completed its greatest-ever boxing campaign at the Commonwealth Games, winning a record five gold medals and two silvers to rewrite the country’s boxing history.
Choudhary was the woman who completed the masterpiece. Facing England’s Chantelle Reid in the final, the Indian boxed with remarkable composure, controlling the pace from the opening bell and never allowing her opponent to settle. Even when the referee urged both fighters to raise the tempo in the closing stages, Choudhary stayed in complete command before sealing a unanimous decision and sparking celebrations in the Indian camp.
Her victory capped a remarkable day that saw Indian boxing dominate the podium.
Earlier, Preeti Pawar claimed gold in the women’s 54kg category, Jaismine Lamboria conquered the women’s 57kg division, Sakshi Chaudhary stormed to the women’s 51kg title, and Priya Ghanghas added another gold in the women’s 60kg event.
Together, the five champions eclipsed India’s previous best of three boxing gold medals, achieved at the 2010 Delhi, 2018 Gold Coast and 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games.
The women led the charge, underlining the extraordinary depth Indian boxing has developed over the past few years.
Pawar outclassed Canada’s Scarlett Delgado to open India’s golden account. Jaismine followed with a dominant win over Northern Ireland’s Michaela Walsh. Sakshi completed a dream season after overcoming two-time world champion Nikhat Zareen during the national trials before continuing her rich form in Glasgow. Priya then broke India’s long-standing gold record with a gritty victory over Canada’s Marie-Bathoul Al-Ahmadieh.
Choudhary’s triumph became the finishing touch on a campaign that will be remembered as Indian boxing’s finest on the Commonwealth stage.
India also added two silver medals. Young Manipur boxer Jadumani Singh capped a sensational debut Commonwealth Games campaign with silver in the men’s 55kg division after falling to Australia’s Jye Dixon in the final. Olympic bronze medallist and former world champion Lovlina Borgohain also finished with silver after losing the women’s 75kg title bout to Australia’s Emma-Sue Greentree.
What makes the achievement even more impressive is the balance of the Indian squad. With a 14-member contingent comprising seven men and seven women, India blended Olympic stars with emerging youngsters, producing one of the most dominant boxing performances by the country at any major multi-sport event.
When the final bell rang in Glasgow, it wasn’t just another medal haul. It was a statement. Indian boxing has never been stronger. And Commonwealth Games history now has a new benchmark.