Preeti Pawar Celebrates CWG Gold and Eyes Future Olympic Glory

Preeti Pawar Reflects on Her Commonwealth Games Triumph

Rohtak (Haryana) [India], August 5: After clinching the gold medal at the Commonwealth Games 2026, Indian boxer Preeti Pawar shared insights on the valuable lessons she gained from the event, which she believes will aid her preparation for the upcoming Asian Games and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. She also expressed her gratitude for fulfilling a promise to enjoy baklava following her victory in Glasgow.

A Historic Win at CWG 2026

Preeti, who previously earned a bronze medal at the 2022 Asian Games, secured the women's 54kg gold at the CWG 2026 by defeating Canada's Scarlett Delgado in a unanimous decision during the final. This marked her debut at the Commonwealth Games, and she considers it one of the most significant achievements in her career.

Learning from Experience

In an interview after her victory, Preeti expressed her excitement and determination to represent India with pride. She emphasized the importance of the experience gained at the CWG, stating, "I learned a lot, and it will greatly assist me in my preparations for the Asian Games starting September 19 in Japan."

Bhiwani: A Boxing Hub

Hailing from Bhiwani, a region renowned for producing exceptional boxing talent, Preeti highlighted the community's commitment to the sport. Known as 'Mini Cuba,' Bhiwani has nurtured champions like Vijender Singh and Jitender Kumar. Preeti noted that the involvement of parents in their children's training and nutrition plays a crucial role in fostering a strong boxing culture.

A Record-Breaking Performance

India achieved its highest-ever boxing medal tally at the Commonwealth Games, securing ten medals, including seven golds. Preeti expressed hope that the team would surpass this record in the next Commonwealth Games, which will be hosted in Ahmedabad in 2030.

Reflecting on Her Journey

Preeti's journey has been filled with challenges, including a battle with hepatitis before the Paris Olympics 2024. Despite these setbacks, she persevered and showcased her resilience by winning a gold medal at the World Boxing Cup in November last year.

The Importance of Support

Reflecting on her early struggles, Preeti expressed gratitude for the unwavering support from her family, particularly her uncle Vinod, who encouraged her to pursue boxing despite her initial reluctance. She acknowledged that the emotional journey has made her appreciate her achievements even more.

Future Aspirations

Looking ahead, Preeti is focused on recovery and preparing for the Asian Games. She believes that the experiences from both the Commonwealth and Asian Games will be instrumental in her journey toward the Olympics. Her goal is to continuously improve and build on her strengths.

Celebrating Success

After her victory, Preeti fulfilled her promise of enjoying baklava, a treat she had longed for while managing her weight. She also enjoyed a warm welcome at home, complete with her mother's homemade choorma.