In a series of record-breaking events, India's star boxer Preeti Pawar has assured another medal for the country at the ongoing Commonwealth Games 2026 with a strong performance in the Women's 54kg quarterfinal on July 28, Tuesday. The World No.3 dominated Northern Ireland's Nicole Clyde by a unanimous 5-0 decision to reach the semifinals, ensuring at least a bronze medal for India.
Another assured for India
Preeti stamped her authority in the clash right from the opening bell, combining accurate straight punches with great footwork to stay in complete rhythm. Although Nicole Clyde tried to stay in the bout, the Indian star completely outclassed her with sharp jabs and brilliant one-two combinations.
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Preeti's precision quickly paid off as she forced the first standing eight-count of the bout. The Indian also impressed in close exchanges, breaking through Clyde's defense with a crisp uppercut before sweeping the opening round on all five judges' scorecards.
The judges unanimously awarded the bout to Preeti, scoring it 30-25, 30-25, 30-26, 30-26 and 30-27 to claim a strong win and seal a podium finish. The Indian boxer will now take on Zambia's Catherine Mwape in the women's 54kg semifinal, set for 3:15 PM IST on Friday.
Good news for Priya Ghanghas
After Preeti's guaranteed medal, fellow Indian boxer Priya Ghanghas followed suit by reaching the semifinals of women's 60kg event. Locking horns against Scotland's Niamh Mitchell, Priya endured a tough start as the home favorite used some sharp combinations to win the opening round 4-1 on the Judges' scorecards.
However, the reigning Asian champion staged a marvelous comeback in the last two rounds. Priya found her touch in the second round to level the clash with a 4-1 verdict before staying calm in a tense decider. Despite Mitchell's attempt to unsettle her with attacking approach, the Indian boxer kept her composure and clinched the final round, securing a 4-1 overall win and assuring India of another boxing medal at the Games.