Glasgow: India continued its impressive boxing campaign at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026 as boxer Jadumani Singh produced a commanding performance to defeat Pakistan’s Sumama Rahman by a unanimous 5-0 decision, securing a place in the quarter-finals. Asian Games bronze medallist Preeti Pawar also advanced to the women’s 54kg quarter-finals with a dominant victory, leaving both Indian boxers just one win away from a Commonwealth Games medal.
The much-anticipated India-Pakistan contest at the SEC Centre unfolded in front of a vocal crowd, with chants of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “India, India” creating an electrifying atmosphere even before the opening bell. Jadumani remained composed under pressure and controlled the bout from start to finish, leaving his Pakistani opponent with little opportunity to mount a comeback.
After a cautious opening round, the Indian boxer shifted gears, landing a series of sharp hooks and precise straight punches. His speed and timing proved decisive, and a powerful right-hand punch in the second round forced Rahman into a standing count, tilting the contest firmly in India’s favour.
Jadumani dominated the final round with confident footwork, effective counter-attacks and accurate combinations. His superior ring craft earned him a unanimous verdict from all five judges, sealing a convincing victory and a place in the last eight.
The win carried special significance as it came on Kargil Vijay Diwas. Jadumani, who serves in the Indian Army, dedicated his triumph to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the Kargil War.
“I dedicate this victory to the heroes of Kargil. My goal is to win every bout and bring home the gold medal for India,” he said after the match, drawing loud applause from Indian supporters in the arena.
In the women’s 54kg category, Preeti Pawar delivered another dominant display, defeating Deborah Matenje of Malawi by Referee Stopped Contest (RSC) in the second round. Preeti controlled the contest from the outset, winning the opening round on all five judges’ scorecards before forcing two standing counts in the second round. The referee halted the contest with 47 seconds remaining, sending the Indian boxer into the quarter-finals.
However, the day ended on a disappointing note for Aditya Pratap, who suffered a narrow 2-3 split-decision defeat to Uganda’s Nuhu Batte in the men’s 65kg category. Despite a spirited performance in a closely fought contest, Aditya’s Commonwealth Games campaign came to an end in the opening round.
With Jadumani Singh and Preeti Pawar progressing confidently, India’s boxing contingent remains firmly on course for another successful medal haul at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026.
