Training gear, kits missing for opening ceremony: Indian boxers hit by luggage chaos ahead of CWG 2026

Indian Boxing Squad for CWG 2026. (Photo Credit: BFI) NEW DELHI: The Indian boxing contingent has suffered an unexpected setback even before they strike at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, with nearly half of the team’s luggage going missing during their journey from Belfast to Glasgow just days before the competition began.The 22-member Indian contingent arrived in Glasgow on Tuesday after completing a preparatory training camp in Belfast, but several bags failed to make the short flight and several boxers were left without their training gear and ceremonial attire ahead of Thursday’s opening ceremony.Those affected include Sakshi Chaudhary (51 kg), reigning world champion Jaismine Lamboria (57 kg), Parveen Hooda (65 kg), Jadumani Singh (55 kg), Kapil Pokhariya (90 kg) and men’s head coach C. Kuttappa along with several other team members.According to a report by news agency PTI, team members said the aircraft operating on the Belfast-Glasgow route was relatively small, resulting in some luggage being left behind.The missing luggage contains the necessary training gear as well as ceremonial wear that the Indian boxers are expected to wear during the CWG opening ceremony.With the boxing competition starting on Friday, the contingent is now anxiously awaiting the arrival of the luggage so as not to disrupt its final phase of preparations.Ironically, this is the second time the team has encountered the same problem during the trip. A similar baggage delay occurred earlier this month while traveling from Doha to Belfast for a training camp.The contingent is also dealing with another logistical problem after the women’s coach was reportedly not staying in the same hotel as the boxers.

India is eyeing another strong boxing campaign

Despite the off-field discomfort, India enter the Glasgow Games with high expectations.The women’s team is headlined by Olympic bronze medalist Lovlina Borgohain, world number one Jaismine Lamboria, Asian Games bronze medalist Preeti Pawar and World Cup gold medalist Arundhati Chaudhary, all of whom reached the podium at this year’s Asian Championships.Among the men, Sachin Siwach and Narender Berwal are expected to lead India’s medal challenge after their impressive performances at the continental level.In the previous Commonwealth Games, Indian boxing returned with seven medals, including three gold and one silver, and the Glasgow contingent will be hoping to maintain that rich tradition.

Mary Kom backs medal win but tempers expectations for gold

Indian boxing legend MC Mary Kom believes the team is capable of bringing home a few medals, but admitted that she is not expecting a gold medal this time.“We will win medals, but I don’t expect gold. If it comes, I will be happy,” the six-time world champion and Olympic bronze medalist told PTI in an interview. “We should at least be in the gold medal games at the Commonwealth Games. I pray we win everything.”The 2018 Commonwealth Games gold medalist said that the Indian team has a huge responsibility and expressed confidence that the current crop will give the country their all.“I just want to wish them all the best. Representing India is not easy. Everyone is given a responsibility, not just to participate. They will also think of coming back with medals for the country,” she said.However, Mary Kom also expressed concern over the current state of Indian boxing administration, questioning recent selection decisions and complaining about the lack of engagement between the Boxing Federation of India and former champions.