India’s boxing campaign at the Commonwealth Games 2026 gathered further momentum after Jadumani Singh Mandengbam defeated Pakistan’s Sumama Rehman to advance to the men’s 55kg quarterfinals in Glasgow.
The unanimous victory not only kept the 22-year-old Manipuri boxer in contention for a medal but also set up a quarterfinal clash on Tuesday, where a win would guarantee him at least a bronze medal under Commonwealth Games boxing rules.
Jadumani dominates India-Pakistan contest
Jadumani controlled the Round of 16 bout from start to finish and secured a 5-0 unanimous decision after convincing all five judges.
The Pakistani boxer had received a bye into the Round of 16. Jadumani, meanwhile, had already opened his campaign with a 5-0 victory over Scotland’s Aaron Cullen in the opening round.
Dedicates victory to Kargil heroes
After the contest, Jadumani dedicated his victory to the soldiers honoured on Kargil Vijay Diwas.
“I dedicate my win to the Kargil heroes. I felt great winning against Pakistan. I will perform even better in the quarterfinals and secure a Gold for India,” he told ANI.
His victory came on July 26, the day India observes Kargil Vijay Diwas to honour soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice during the 1999 Kargil War.
Earlier in the day, tributes were paid across the country to commemorate the 27th Kargil Vijay Diwas.
Medal within touching distance
Jadumani will return to the ring on Tuesday with a semifinal place at stake.
Victory in the quarterfinal will also assure him of a bronze medal, as both losing semifinalists in Commonwealth Games boxing receive bronze.
The Indian boxer entered the Games after winning silver in the 50kg category at the World Boxing Cup Finals in Noida last year. He has since moved up to the 55kg division and has registered back-to-back unanimous decision victories in Glasgow.
India also enjoyed success in other events on Sunday. Olympic silver medallist Mirabai Chanu clinched her third successive Commonwealth Games gold medal in the women’s 48kg weightlifting event. Chanambam Rishikanta Singh won silver in the men’s 60kg category, while Raja Muthupandi added another silver in the men’s 65kg event.