Indian Pugilists Preeti and Jaismine Secure Gold in Commonwealth Boxing Finals

Indian Dominance in the Bantamweight and Featherweight Ranks

India’s boxing contingent signaled their dominance at the Commonwealth Games on August 1, 2026, as both Preeti Pawar and Jaismine Lamboria secured gold medals in their respective divisions. The victories were marked by technical precision and aggressive scoring, with both athletes earning unanimous 5-0 decisions in the final rounds.

Pawar Sets the Tone in the 54kg Final

Preeti Pawar, currently ranked third in the world, initiated the gold rush in the women’s 54kg category. Facing Canada’s Scarlett Delgado, the 22-year-old Indian pugilist established control immediately. The judges awarded her a rare 10-8 unanimous scorecard in the opening round, reflecting a level of aggression Delgado struggled to counter. Pawar maintained this momentum through the second round, ensuring India’s first top-podium finish of the day. This clinical performance followed a similar 5-0 sweep against Catherine Mwape of Zambia in the semifinals.

Lamboria Dethrones Defending Champion

In the women’s 57kg division, reigning world champion Jaismine Lamboria faced a stiffer challenge against Northern Ireland’s Michaela Walsh. Walsh, who entered the ring as the defending Commonwealth champion, pushed Lamboria to a split decision in the first round. However, the tide shifted decisively in the second frame. Lamboria landed a series of heavy blows that swayed all five judges, leading to a unanimous verdict. By the final bell, Lamboria matched Pawar’s 5-0 scoreline to secure her gold medal.

• Preeti Pawar (54kg) defeated Scarlett Delgado (Canada) via 5-0 unanimous decision.
• Jaismine Lamboria (57kg) defeated Michaela Walsh (Northern Ireland) via 5-0 unanimous decision.
• Pawar’s victory followed a perfect semifinal win over Zambia’s Catherine Mwape.
• Lamboria overcame a narrow opening round to unseat the reigning champion.

Source: The Hindu — Sport