Preeti Pawar continued India’s golden run in boxing at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Gl. She has successfully secured her spot in the women’s 54kg final at the Commonwealth Games.
By defeating Zambia’s Catherine Mwape 5-0 in Friday’s semifinal, she became the first Indian boxer to book a place in the finals, guaranteeing the nation at least a silver medal. She will now face Canada’s Scarlett Delgado in the ultimate clash for gold.
However, before she steps on to the ring in the quest for a gold medal, she highlighted the massive challenges that boxers have to go through, sometimes even starving themselves.
The Weight Cut Challenge
Before stepping into the ring, Preeti Pawar has to endure the rigorous process of weight cutting.
In all combat sports including boxing, athletes compete in specific weight classes to ensure fair matchups. To ensure that they do not cross the specific weight, “weight cutting” involves a rapid, temporary shedding of water weight just hours before the official weigh-in.
Boxers achieve this through intense sweating, often using saunas or heavy sweat suits combined with severe food and fluid restriction. Once they pass the weigh-in, they quickly rehydrate and refuel to regain their strength before the fight.
Reflecting on the gruelling preparation required for these crucial bouts, Preeti Pawar revealed that it is tough because they are not able to eat food properly.
“It is a part of our training. It motivates us. It is a little tough because we are not able to eat food properly. But it motivates us that we are one step away from the final,” she said.
Road To The Final
s journey to the Commonwealth Games 2026 gold medal bout has been marked by a series of dominant performances. In the Round of 16, she advanced after a referee stopped the contest in the second round against Malawi’s Mtenje. She followed this up by securing a dominant unanimous decision victory over Northern Ireland’s Nicole Clyde in the quarterfinal, setting the stage for her semifinal triumph.
Looking Ahead To Gold
With a podium finish already locked in, Pawar is highly motivated for the final test, and is confident to win the gold medal.
“I am very happy that I have secured a silver medal for India. I will give my best tomorrow in the final bout. I will win the gold for India,” Preeti concluded.