Indian Boxers Shine at Commonwealth Games 2026, Eye Gold Medals
Sachin Siwach Advances to Semifinals
In Glasgow, Indian boxer Sachin Siwach has set his sights on a gold medal after securing a spot in the men's 60kg semifinals at the Commonwealth Games 2026. He achieved this by winning his quarterfinal match against Botswana's Treasure Moremi with a unanimous decision, ensuring India will take home at least one medal.
Following his victory, Sachin expressed that he felt a bit anxious before the match but found it manageable. He emphasized his commitment to following his coaches' strategies for the upcoming fight, determined to clinch the gold medal.
He stated, "Initially, I was a bit nervous, but the bout turned out to be quite straightforward. I plan to stick to my coaches' game plan for the next match, and I am confident that gold is within reach." He dedicated his anticipated medal to his family and coaches.
Dominant Performance in the Ring
From the start, Sachin showcased his skills, landing a strong left hook early in the first round and maintaining control throughout the match. Despite a brief interruption due to Moremi's injury, Sachin kept his composure and won the first round unanimously, as all five judges scored in his favor.
In the second round, Sachin continued to dominate with quick combinations and precise left hooks, making it difficult for Moremi to respond. The judges again awarded the round to Sachin. As the final round approached, Sachin maintained his lead, and Moremi struggled to regain his footing, leading to a comfortable unanimous decision victory for the Indian boxer.
Other Indian Boxers Excel
Sachin's success was mirrored by fellow Indian boxers Ankush and Narender Berwal, who also advanced to the semifinals. Ankush triumphed over Seychelles' Jade Micock with a 5-0 victory in the men's 80kg quarterfinal, while Narender narrowly defeated Samoa's Michael Seko in a closely contested men's 90+kg match.
Ankush expressed his determination to convert his assured medal into gold, stating, "I am focused on winning gold now that I have secured a medal. I will prepare thoroughly with my coach for the semifinal, dedicating this achievement to my family and coach, especially as a gift for Guru Purnima."
Narender's Tough Battle
Narender described his quarterfinal as a challenging encounter against a heavier and more experienced opponent. He dedicated his assured medal to his late coach, Devraj, on Guru Purnima, emphasizing his goal of winning gold.
"The match was tough, as my opponent was a professional boxer weighing 135 kg. My coaches advised me to keep moving to avoid being stationary due to his weight advantage. Despite facing some challenges, I managed to win all three rounds, and I dedicate this victory to my late coach, with the aim of achieving gold," he shared.
Narender's victory came by a narrow 3-2 split decision, showcasing the intensity of the match. Both boxers showed signs of fatigue, but Narender's timely strikes helped him secure the win, contributing to India's medal tally.
India's Medal Count
With these victories, five Indian boxers have reached the semifinals, marking a successful day for India's boxing team in Glasgow. Alongside Siwach, Arundhati Choudhary and Sakshi Chaudhary also secured their spots in the semifinals.
Currently, India has amassed a total of 12 medals at the Commonwealth Games, including two gold, seven silver, and three bronze. Notable Indian medallists include Mirabai Chanu and Sharmila Dhankar, who both won gold in their respective events.