Indian Boxing Team for CWG 2026. (Pic Credit: BFI)
New Delhi: India’s boxing squad suffered an unexpected setback even before it threw a punch at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, as nearly half of the team’s luggage went missing during their trip from Belfast to Glasgow just days before the start of the competition.The 22-member Indian contingent arrived in Glasgow on Tuesday after completing a preparatory training camp in Belfast, but several bags failed to make the short journey, leaving many boxers without training gear and ceremonial clothes ahead of the opening ceremony on Thursday.Those affected include Sakshi Chaudhary (51kg), world champion Jasmine Lamboria (57kg), Parveen Hooda (65kg), Jadumani Singh (55kg), Kapil Bukaria (90kg), and men’s head coach C.
Kutappa, along with a few other team members.According to a PTI report, according to team members, the plane plying on the Belfast-Glasgow route was relatively small, which resulted in a portion of the luggage being left behind.The missing luggage contains basic training equipment as well as ceremonial clothes that Indian boxers are expected to wear during the opening ceremony of the CWG.The boxing competition is scheduled to begin on Friday, and the unit is now anxiously awaiting the arrival of the luggage to avoid disrupting the final stage of preparations.
Ironically, this is the second time the team has encountered the same problem during the trip. A similar baggage delay occurred earlier this month while traveling from Doha to Belfast to attend the training camp.The unit is also dealing with another logistical issue after it was reported that the women’s coach was not staying in the same hotel as the boxers.
India are looking forward to another strong boxing campaign
Despite the off-field nuisance, India enters the Glasgow Games with high expectations.The women’s team is led by Olympic bronze medalist Lovlina Borgohain, world number one Jasmine Lamporia, Asian Games bronze medalist Priti Pawar, and World Cup gold medalist Arundhati Choudhary, all of whom made it to the podium at this year’s Asian Championships.Among the men, Sachin Siwatch and Narender Birwal are expected to lead India’s medal challenge after their impressive performances at the continental level.In the previous Commonwealth Games, Indian boxing brought home seven medals, including three gold and one silver, and the Glasgow contingent will be hoping to maintain this rich tradition.
Mary Kom supports winning medals but tempers gold expectations
Indian boxing legend MC Mary Kom believes the team is capable of bringing home many medals, but admitted she is not expecting a sweep of gold this time.“We will win medals but I don’t expect gold. If that happens, I will be happy,” the six-time world champion and Olympic bronze medalist said in an interview with PTI.
“At the Commonwealth Games, we should at least be in the gold medal games. I pray we win it all.”The 2018 Commonwealth Games gold medalist said that representing India carries a huge responsibility and expressed confidence that the current crop will give everything for the country.“I just want to give them my best wishes. It’s not easy to represent India. They all take responsibility, not just participate.”
“They will also think about returning with medals for the country,” she said.However, Mary Kom also expressed her concern over the current state of Indian boxing management, questioned the recent selection decisions and lamented the lack of cooperation between the Boxing Federation of India and the former champions.