Glasgow, Scotland – Indian boxer Jadumani Singh delivered a commanding performance at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow on Sunday, defeating Pakistan's Sumama Rehman in a highly anticipated bout. The victory, a unanimous 5-0 decision, propelled Singh into the quarterfinals of the men's 55kg category. In other significant news for India, boxer Preeti Pawar also secured a dominant win, advancing to the quarterfinals of the women's 54kg event and placing her just one victory away from a medal. The Games are currently underway in Glasgow, Scotland, from July 23 to August 2, 2026.
Jadumani's Dominant Victory in High-Octane Bout
The atmosphere at the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) Centre crackled with excitement for the India-Pakistan boxing clash. Chants of "Bharat Mata ki Jai" and "India, India" echoed through the venue as Jadumani Singh stepped into the ring. The Indian Army boxer, Jadumani Singh, showcased superior technique, speed, and ringcraft to outclass his Pakistani opponent, Sumama Rehman. All five judges scored the bout in favor of Singh, making it a comprehensive 5-0 unanimous decision.[thehindu+2]
Jadumani Singh, 22, dedicated his triumph to the heroes of the Kargil War. "I want to dedicate this win to Kargil heroes. I want to defeat everyone and get gold for India," he stated after his commanding performance. Despite a height and reach advantage for Rehman, Singh, a speedy pugilist from Manipur, skillfully used sharp footwork and quick combinations to penetrate his opponent's guard. After a close first round, Jadumani took firm control in the second, landing crisp combinations and a powerful punch that forced the referee to issue a standing count to Rehman. Singh maintained his composure through the final round, even inviting Rehman to attack before countering with superior speed and movement. This victory marks his entry into the quarterfinals, bringing him one step closer to a Commonwealth Games medal.[thehindu+8]
Preeti Powers Towards Maiden Medal
Meanwhile, Asian Games bronze medallist Preeti Pawar also made significant strides in the women's 54kg boxing competition. She effortlessly moved into the quarterfinals after a dominating performance against Deborah Mtenje of Malawi. Preeti secured her pre-quarterfinal win via a Referee Stop Contest (RSC) decision in the second round, demonstrating her clear superiority. The Malawi boxer received two standing counts during the bout, one in each round, leading the referee to halt the contest with 47 seconds remaining in the second round. All five judges unanimously favored Preeti in the first round.[thehindu+7]
Preeti, 22, from Bhiwani, is now just one victory away from guaranteeing her first Commonwealth Games medal. Her next challenge in the quarterfinals will be against Nicole Clyde of Northern Ireland. Preeti has had a breakthrough season, winning a bronze medal at the 2022 Asian Games and a gold at the New Delhi World Cup last year. She expressed confidence in her abilities, noting that she is well-prepared for the big stage. "It was my first bout and I wanted to check how I manage in the ring. I was checking the environment of the ring in the first round before getting aggressive in the second," Preeti told PTI. She added, "I have a good draw and I will give my best."[thehindu+12]
India's Strong Boxing Showing in Glasgow
The Commonwealth Games 2026, officially known as the XXIII Commonwealth Games or Glasgow 2026, are being held in Glasgow, Scotland, from July 23 to August 2. This marks Glasgow's return as a host city, 12 years after successfully hosting the 2014 Games. Around 3,000 athletes from 74 Commonwealth nations and territories are competing across a 10-sport program, utilizing existing world-class venues within an eight-mile corridor in the city.[commonwealthsport+5]
The boxing events at the Scottish Event Campus have been a focal point, particularly due to the intense rivalry witnessed in the India-Pakistan bout. While Jadumani Singh and Preeti Pawar celebrated their advancements, another Indian boxer, Aditya Pratap, faced an early exit. Aditya lost his opening round 65kg bout to Uganda's Nuhu Batte with a 2:3 decision. However, the overall sentiment remains optimistic for the Indian boxing contingent, with several pugilists eyeing podium finishes. The strong performances by Jadumani Singh and Preeti Pawar underscore India's ambition to secure multiple medals in boxing at the Glasgow Games.[gov+8]
