CWG: Jadumani shines in India-Pakistan boxing clash; Preeti books the quarter finals

India’s boxing contingent enjoyed another impressive day at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, led by Jadumani Singh Mandengbam’s victory over Pakistan’s Sumama Rehman in a high-intensity men’s 55kg round of 16 clash, while Preeti Pawar moved to within one medal win by reaching the women’s 54kg quarterfinals.

India-Pakistan contests rarely lack intensity, and the atmosphere inside the arena reflected exactly that. Moments before the opening bell, loud chants of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” filled the hall as Indian supporters rallied behind Jadumani, setting the stage for one of the most anticipated matches of the day.

The fight began at a frantic pace, Rehman trying to unsettle the Indian with repeated grips and physical exchanges. Jadumani initially boxed on the back foot, absorbing the pressure before finding his rhythm. Although Rehman enjoyed success in the early exchanges, the Indian landed cleaner punches towards the end of the opening round to move ahead on the judges’ scorecards.

INDIA AT COMMONWEALTH GAMES 2026: DAY 3 UPDATE

JADUMANI UNDER CONTROL

The contest definitely turned in Jadumani’s favor in the second round.

The Indian went on the front foot and repeatedly backed Rehman into corners while landing sharp counter punches and slipping his opponent’s wild swings. The turning point came when Rehman was disqualified, forcing the referee to make a knockdown count.

Confident, Jadumani even gave a cheeky salute just before the bell as the Indian supporters roared their approval.

Holding a comfortable advantage in the final round, Jadumani boxed with maturity and refused to be drawn into unnecessary exchanges. His excellent movement, timing and accuracy ensured there would be no comeback as all five judges awarded him the fight and secured a dominant 5-0 unanimous decision.

The intensity of the match remained evident even after the final bell, without the usual handshake or hug between the two boxers after the match between India and Pakistan.

PREETI CRUISES THROUGH

Asian Games bronze medalist Preeti Pawar advanced to the women’s 54kg quarter-finals earlier in the day after forcing a stoppage in the second round against Malawi’s Deborah Mtenje.

The 22-year-old from Bhiwani was in complete control throughout the round of 16. She won the opening round by unanimous decision before Mtenje forced standing countouts in both rounds. With the Malawian struggling to get even, the referee stopped the bout with 47 seconds left in the second round.

This win takes Preeti just one win away from winning her first Commonwealth Games medal. She will next face Northern Ireland’s Nicole Clyde, who advanced by unanimous decision over Ghana’s Nancy Bamfo. Both boxers know each other well, they trained together as sparring partners in Belfast before the games.

Preeti said she used the opening round to assess the conditions inside the ring before upping the intensity in the second, adding that she was pleased with her draw and hoped to reach the podium.

With Jadumani clearly victorious in the India-Pakistan clash and Preeti moving within striking distance of a medal, India continued their strong start to the Glasgow boxing competition, with several boxers remaining firmly in contention for a podium finish.

– The end

Issued by:

Amar Panicker

Published on:

Jul 27, 2026 0:18 AM IST