Glasgow, 31 July (H.S.):

Indian boxer Preeti Pawar delivered a brilliant performance at the Commonwealth Games 2026, securing her place in the final of the women’s 54kg category. In the semifinal, Preeti defeated Zambia’s Catherine Mwape with a dominant 5-0 unanimous decision, ensuring at least a silver medal for India.

From the very beginning of the bout, Preeti took control with her excellent footwork and quick counter-punches. Mwape attempted to maintain an attacking approach, but the Indian boxer repeatedly pushed her onto the back foot with precise left-right jabs. In the second round, Preeti’s powerful punches forced Mwape to face two standing counts.

After the second round, all five judges awarded a 10-8 score in favour of Preeti, giving the Indian boxer a commanding 5-0 advantage as she entered the final round. In the third and final round, Mwape tried to make a comeback, but Preeti responded with impressive counter-attacks and landed a series of effective punches. A sharp left hook followed by consecutive left-right combinations kept the Zambian boxer under constant pressure. Preeti maintained her dominance until the final bell.

Once the bout concluded, the decision went completely in favour of the Indian boxer, as Preeti secured a place in the final with a unanimous 5-0 victory.

In the gold medal clash, Preeti Pawar will face Canada’s Scarlett Delgado. The Indian boxer will now aim to clinch the coveted gold medal at the Commonwealth Games.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar