CWG 2026: Preeti Pawar, Jaismine Strike Gold as Indian Boxers Make Dream Start in Finals; India’s Gold Tally Goes To Seven

Glasgow, Aug 1: India enjoyed a dream start to the boxing finals at the Commonwealth Games 2026 on Saturday (August 1) as Preeti Pawar and Jaismine clinched gold medals in the women’s 54kg and 57kg categories respectively, underlining the country’s growing dominance in international boxing.

The twin triumphs gave India two gold medals from the 10 boxing finals scheduled on the day, with both Haryana-born boxers producing commanding performances to stand atop the podium. With these two yellow metals in the bag, India’s gold medal tally went seven, with as many as eight more top podium finishes are expected from the pugilists in Glasgow.

Preeti Pawar opened India’s account by outclassing Canada’s S.S. Delgado with a unanimous 5-0 decision in the women’s 54kg final. The 22-year-old showcased superb technical ability and composure throughout the bout, leaving little doubt in the judges’ minds as she completed a flawless run to the title.

Soon after, world No. 1 Jaismine delivered another clinical display, defeating Northern Ireland’s Michaela Walsh by a dominant 5-0 unanimous verdict to claim the women’s 57kg gold. The victory was particularly significant as Walsh entered the contest as one of the most decorated Commonwealth boxers, having won gold in Birmingham 2022 and silver medals in 2014 and 2018.

Preeti’s Unbeaten March to Gold

Preeti enjoyed a near-perfect campaign in Glasgow without conceding a single bout. The Bhiwani boxer began with a second-round Referee Stops Contest (RSC) victory over Deborah Mtenje of Malawi before defeating N. Clyde of Northern Ireland by 5-0 in the quarterfinals to secure a medal.

The Haryana boxer maintained her momentum in the semifinals with another unanimous 5-0 win over C. Mwape of Zambia, setting up the gold medal clash against Delgado.

In the final, Preeti’s superior movement, precise combinations and tactical discipline proved too much for the Canadian as she completed a clean sweep of unanimous victories.

The Commonwealth title adds another glittering chapter to an already impressive career. A bronze medallist at the 2023 Asian Games, Preeti also won gold at the 2025 World Boxing Cup Final and the 2026 Asian Boxing Championships, while representing India at the Paris Olympics 2024.

Preeti was inspired by her parents-both former athletes-to take up the sport and has trained extensively at the Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports (NS NIS), Patiala. Government-backed overseas training camps in Montenegro, Turkey and Germany have also played a key role in her development.

World No. 1 Jaismine Lives Up to Billing

Jaismine entered Glasgow as the world No. 1 in the women’s 57kg category and justified that status with an equally dominant campaign.

She secured her medal by edging England’s E. Glynn 4-1 via split decision in the quarterfinals before producing a second-round RSC victory over R. Maselela of Lesotho in the semifinals.

The final, however, was her biggest statement. Facing vastly experienced Michaela Walsh, Jaismine dictated the pace from the opening bell, using her speed and accuracy to earn a comprehensive 5-0 unanimous decision.

The triumph further cements her position among the world’s elite boxers. It follows a stellar run that includes gold medals at the 2025 World Boxing Championships, 2025 World Boxing Cup Final, 2025 World Boxing Cup in Kazakhstan, a silver at the 2026 Asian Championships, and a bronze medal at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Like Preeti, Jaismine also hails from Bhiwani, India’s celebrated boxing hub. Boxing runs deep in her family-her great-grandfather was the legendary Captain Hawa Singh, the only Indian boxer to win successive Asian Games gold medals.

Her uncles, Parvinder Singh and Sandeep Singh, were also international boxers and played a crucial role in helping her overcome financial and social challenges as the first female boxer in her family.

Training at NS NIS Patiala, Jaismine has benefited from consistent support through national coaching camps and international training programmes, including camps in Montenegro and Germany ahead of the Paris Olympics.

With Preeti and Jaismine setting the tone through commanding gold-medal performances, India’s boxing contingent has made an emphatic statement in Glasgow and will now look to build on the momentum in the remaining finals.