Commonwealth Games 2026: Sakshi Chaudhary, Sachin Siwach and Ankush Storm into Boxing Quarterfinals

India's boxing contingent enjoyed another highly successful day at the Commonwealth Games 2026, with Sakshi Chaudhary, Sachin Siwach, and Ankush all advancing to the quarterfinals after impressive performances in Glasgow on Monday.

The trio displayed composure, tactical maturity and attacking intent to overcome quality opponents from Botswana, England and Antigua & Barbuda respectively, keeping India's hopes alive across multiple weight categories. While each bout unfolded differently, the common theme was India's ability to control crucial moments under pressure and finish strongly when it mattered most.

Three-time age-group world champion Sakshi Chaudhary delivered one of India's most convincing performances of the day, defeating Botswana's Lethabo Modukanele by unanimous decision in the women's 51kg round of 16. The victory carried additional significance considering the pedigree of her opponent. Modukanele made history at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, becoming the first Botswana woman to win a Commonwealth Games boxing medal after securing bronze.

Despite facing such an experienced rival, Sakshi looked composed from the opening bell. Using sharp footwork and accurate straight punches, the Indian immediately established control of the contest.

Sakshi wasted little time stamping her authority on the bout. Throughout the opening round, she consistently found her range with straight punches while preventing Modukanele from settling into any rhythm. Her clean punching and superior movement earned her the opening round on all five judges' scorecards, giving her a perfect start. The second round followed a similar pattern.

Sakshi mixed sharp right-left combinations with well-timed jabs, repeatedly piercing Botswana's defence. Although Modukanele improved as the contest progressed and attempted to increase the pace, Sakshi responded confidently with accurate counterattacks. Another clean sweep from all five judges handed the Indian a commanding lead heading into the final round.

With two rounds already secured, Sakshi entered the closing three minutes needing only a disciplined finish.

The final round proved the most eventful. Sakshi landed another clean straight punch to her opponent's face with just over a minute remaining before the referee intervened following a clash. The Indian received a point deduction for dangerous use of the head. Earlier in the same round, Modukanele had also been warned and penalised with a point deduction, adding further drama to an already competitive contest.

Despite the deductions, Sakshi maintained her composure. Once the final bell sounded, both boxers were called to the centre of the ring. The judges unanimously declared Sakshi the winner, confirming her place in the quarterfinals and keeping India's medal hopes alive in the women's 51kg division.

Earlier in the day, Sachin Siwach also booked his place in the men's 60kg quarterfinals after overcoming England's William Hewitt in a closely contested bout. The world No. 5, and nephew of Olympic medallist Vijender Singh, faced a difficult challenge against the aggressive Englishman. Hewitt started brightly, forcing Sachin onto the back foot with quick combinations and relentless pressure.

Rather than getting drawn into a brawl, the Indian remained patient. As the opening round progressed, Sachin began landing heavier punches, particularly with his left hand, enough to convince four of the five judges to award him the round.

Sachin's tactical intelligence became increasingly evident during the second round. Rather than chasing exchanges, he invited Hewitt forward before punishing him with accurate counter-punches. The strategy worked perfectly. While Hewitt continued pressing forward, Sachin's cleaner scoring punches impressed the judges once again. Another 4-1 scoreline in his favour gave him a comfortable advantage entering the final round.

The bout was not without setbacks. Sachin received a point deduction after an earlier warning, momentarily giving Hewitt renewed hope. However, the Indian quickly regained control. He avoided several attacks with excellent defensive movement while continuing to land heavy scoring punches. The referee also paused proceedings briefly to warn Hewitt about his own head positioning.

As the contest reached its conclusion, Sachin raised his arms confidently, believing he had done enough. Moments later, the judges confirmed his victory by split decision, sending the Indian through to the quarter-finals. He will now face Treasure Moremi of Botswana in the next round.

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India's third success of the day came courtesy of Ankush, who produced another commanding performance in the men's 80kg division. Facing Zalaan Jan of Antigua and Barbuda, Ankush immediately imposed himself from the opening exchanges. The Indian boxed intelligently from the red corner, landing crisp combinations and powerful hooks throughout the opening round.

His accuracy and ring control earned him a 5-0 sweep on the judges' scorecards after the first three minutes. Holding such a commanding advantage allowed Ankush to execute his tactical plan perfectly in the remaining rounds. Rather than forcing unnecessary exchanges, he relied on effective counter-attacking.

Each time Jan attempted to close the distance with aggressive charges, Ankush calmly stepped away before responding with clean, scoring punches. The disciplined approach prevented his opponent from building any sustained momentum. By the final bell, the result was never in doubt.

Ankush completed another comprehensive victory, comfortably progressing to the quarterfinals and strengthening India's medal prospects in the 80kg category.

The three victories continue India's impressive start to the boxing competition in Glasgow.

Sakshi Chaudhary demonstrated the maturity expected of a multiple world age-group champion, controlling every phase of her contest against an experienced Commonwealth medallist. Sachin Siwach once again showcased why he is regarded among the world's leading lightweight boxers, overcoming early pressure with tactical discipline and composure. Ankush, meanwhile, underlined his credentials as a serious title contender through another dominant display.

Perhaps most encouraging was the variety in India's victories. Sakshi relied on precision and movement; Sachin succeeded through intelligent counter-punching and tactical adjustments, while Ankush combined power with defensive discipline to outclass his opponent.

With three more boxers now safely through to the quarterfinals, India's medal hopes continue to grow stronger. As the competition enters its decisive stages, the focus will shift from qualification to podium finishes. Based on Monday's performances, India's boxers have every reason to believe they can challenge for multiple medals before the Commonwealth Games conclude in Glasgow.