scripted history by winning the gold medal in the women’s 51 kg boxing event at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow on August 1. The 25-year-old boxer from Bhiwani, Haryana, delivered a commanding performance to defeat England’s Ruby White by a 5-0 unanimous decision in the final.
Speaking exclusively to Mid-Day, Choudhary highlighted how her unwavering self-belief helped her defeat the reigning world champion Nikhat Zareen in the 51 kg category to qualify for the Games.
‘The journey has been a roller coaster’
Reflecting on her career, Choudhary said the road to gold was filled with highs and lows.
“The journey has been a roller coaster. I have gone through many ups and downs in my career, but I always had self-belief. That belief kept me going even during difficult phases,” the 25-year-old said.
One of the boldest decisions of her career came before the Commonwealth Games when she opted to move from the 54 kg category to the 51 kg division, despite knowing she could face reigning world champion Nikhat Zareen in the qualification event.
Explaining the decision, Choudhary said it was driven by circumstances rather than preference.
Her decision was also influenced by fellow ’s automatic qualification for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games following her gold medal victory at the Asian Championships.
“I did not want to compete in the 51 kg category initially. But Preeti had already secured automatic qualification for the Commonwealth Games in the 54 kg category after winning gold at the . So my only option was to drop weight and compete in the 51 kg category,” Choudhary said.
The move eventually paid off as she overcame the challenge and defeated Nikhat Zareen.
“I always had belief in myself. The hunger to win a medal for the country made me fight like a champion. That belief helped me defeat reigning world champion Nikhat Zareen,” she said.
Asked whether there was any animosity between the two Indian boxers during the bout, Choudhary, dismissing the speculation, said, “It was a very healthy competition. As athletes, we respect each other’s game and stature.”
From Haryana to Glasgow
The 25-year-old boxer reflected on her journey from being a naughty kid in Haryana’s boxing hub, Bhiwani, to standing atop the Commonwealth Games podium with a gold medal around her neck.
Recalling how her boxing journey began, Choudhary said she was far from being a disciplined child.
“I was a very mischievous kid. My brother and I used to fight a lot. My parents thought that I had the potential to become a good athlete. Seeing how mischievous and naughty I was, my father took me to a boxing academy in Bhiwani,” she said.
Choudhary said growing up in Bhiwani, often referred to as India’s boxing nursery, played a crucial role in shaping her career.
The town’s rich boxing culture, coupled with India’s success at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, inspired her to pursue the sport seriously.
‘Women boxers get equal opportunities, have access to the best in the world’
When asked if women’s boxing in India continues to be overshadowed by the men’s category, Choudhary said the situation has changed significantly.
“I don’t think that is the case anymore. Women boxers in India now get equal facilities. In fact, we have access to some of the best facilities in the world. I don’t think Indian boxing infrastructure lacks anything.”
The emotional moment on the podium
Revisiting her moment on the podium, Choudhary said that while she was initially overjoyed with her gold medal triumph, emotions hit her during the medal ceremony.
“I was extremely happy and excited after winning the bout. The first thing I did was call my mother and father. They were very emotional and told me that all my hard work had finally paid off.”
“However, when I stood on the podium with the gold medal, I became a little emotional. It was a special moment,” she recounted.
Message for aspiring women athletes
Sharing a message for young girls and aspiring women athletes who want to make a career in sports, Choudhary emphasised the importance of confidence.
“Every woman should have self-belief. If you truly believe in yourself, there is no force that can stop you from achieving what you want.”
Eyes set on Olympic gold in Los Angeles
Despite becoming the Commonwealth Games champion, Choudhary said her biggest dream lies ahead.
“My next goal, and also my ultimate goal, is to win an for India at the Los Angeles Olympics. I want to see the Indian tricolour flying at the top during the medal ceremony in boxing. It is too early to think about which weight category I’ll compete in. Right now, my complete focus is on achieving that dream.”
From a mischievous child in Bhiwani to a Commonwealth Games champion, Choudhary now has her sights firmly set on winning Olympic gold for India in Los Angeles.