CWG 2026: Preeti Pawar, Priya Ghanghas storm into boxing semifinals, assure India of two medals
Glasgow, July 29
Indian boxer Preeti Pawar expressed delight after assuring herself of a medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games by reaching the women's 54kg semifinals, saying her focus is now on upgrading its colour.
Preeti produced a dominant display to defeat Scotland's Nicole Clyde by a unanimous 5-0 decision in the quarterfinals, booking her place in the last four. As both losing semifinalists receive bronze medals in Commonwealth Games boxing, the victory guaranteed India another podium finish, according to ESPN.
Reflecting on her performance, Preeti told ANI, "I am overjoyed. I have secured a medal, and now my next target is to focus on the upcoming bout and change the colour of that medal. My confidence has grown, and that will help me perform even better in the next bout."
The Indian looked in complete control throughout the contest, leaving no room for doubt as all five judges scored the bout in her favour. She will now face Zambia's Catherine Mwape in the semifinal on Friday.
Mwape earned her place in the final four after staging a remarkable comeback in her quarterfinal. Having lost the opening round 5-0, the Zambian fought back to register a 3-2 split-decision victory and set up a clash with Preeti.
India's boxing campaign received another boost as reigning Asian champion Priya Ghanghas also advanced to the semifinals with a spirited comeback victory over Scotland's Niamh Mitchell in the women's 60kg quarterfinal.
Competing against the local favourite, Priya lost the opening round 4-1 as Mitchell used her movement and southpaw stance effectively. The Indian, however, responded strongly in the second round, applying relentless pressure to claim it 4-1 and level the contest.
Carrying that momentum into the deciding round, Priya outboxed Mitchell with superior technical execution, earning a unanimous verdict from the judges to seal a memorable comeback victory and keep her gold medal hopes alive.
With Preeti Pawar and Priya Ghanghas reaching the semifinals, India has secured at least two more boxing medals at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games while remaining firmly in contention for gold.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Finally some good news from CWG! Our women boxers are truly inspiring. Preeti's 5-0 win is dominating performance. Hope our federation gives them proper support and recognition, not just during medal moments.
Priya Ghanghas showing true champion spirit - lost first round 4-1 but came back stronger. This is what mental toughness looks like! Meanwhile, other sports need to step up. Let's hope these medals inspire more young girls in India to take up boxing.
Great to see Indian boxing thriving! Preeti's unanimous decision and Priya's comeback - both fantastic displays. But I wish more media attention was given to these athletes before the Games, not just when they win medals. Consistent coverage would help grow the sport.
Ladies are carrying India's flag high at CWG! 🇮🇳 Preeti and Priya - what names! Our boxing queens. The way Priya neutralized that southpaw stance and turned the fight around was textbook. Now need to bring home gold! All the best girls.
Two assured medals already! 🥉🥉 But why stop at bronze when gold is within reach? Preeti needs to be careful against that Zambian boxer who also made a comeback. Priya's momentum is unstoppable though. Big weekend ahead for Indian boxing!
J We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.