Indian boxer Sakshi Chaudhary secured a podium finish at the 2026 Commonwealth Games after delivering a commanding performance against Northern Ireland’s Caitlin Fryers in the women’s 51kg quarterfinals in Glasgow on Wednesday, July 29.
Sakshi defeated Fryers by a unanimous 5-0 decision to book her place in the semifinals, ensuring at least a bronze medal for India. Under the Commonwealth Games boxing format, reaching the last four guarantees a medal, making Sakshi the fifth Indian boxer to confirm a podium finish at the ongoing competition.
The 26-year-old joined an impressive list of Indian medal winners, including Lovlina Borgohain in the 75kg category, Preeti Pawar in the 54kg division, Priya Ghanghas in the 60kg category, and Jadumani Singh in the men’s 55kg event.
From the opening bell, Sakshi dictated the pace of the contest and showcased superior technique, accuracy and composure. All five judges scored the bout in favour of the Indian boxer, reflecting her complete control over the three-round encounter. Fryers attempted to match Sakshi’s intensity but struggled to break through the Indian’s defence and sharp counter-attacks.
The victory marked a major milestone in Sakshi’s career, which has been shaped by several injury setbacks. The boxer had missed opportunities to represent India at previous Commonwealth Games due to fitness challenges but finally earned her place in the national squad for Glasgow. She has now made the opportunity count by securing a guaranteed medal on her Commonwealth Games debut.
Sakshi’s triumph further strengthened India’s impressive campaign in boxing at the Games. The Indian contingent has been among the strongest performers in the discipline, with several pugilists advancing deep into the tournament and increasing the country’s medal hopes.
Indian boxing contingent shines in Glasgow
With five boxers already assured of medals, India’s boxing campaign has emerged as one of the highlights of the 2026 Commonwealth Games. The team has displayed consistency across multiple weight categories, with fighters showing confidence and determination against strong international opponents.
Sakshi will now aim to go beyond the bronze medal and secure a place in the gold medal bout. A victory in the semifinal would guarantee her at least a silver medal and bring her one step closer to Commonwealth Games glory.
The focus will now shift to the remaining Indian boxers in action. Four more quarterfinal bouts are scheduled, with Arundhati Chaudhary taking on Morgan Henderson in the women’s 70kg category. Sachin Siwach will face Treasure Moremi, while Ankush Yadav will compete against Jade Mycock in the 80kg division. In the men’s 90+kg category, Narendra Berwal will square off against Michael Seko.
As the boxing competition moves into its decisive stages, India’s strong performances have raised hopes of a bigger medal haul, with Sakshi Chaudhary’s assured podium finish adding another bright chapter to the country’s Commonwealth Games campaign.
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