Nikhat Zareen Misses Out as India Finalises Boxing Squad for Asian Games and CWG 2026

India’s boxing squad for the 2026 Commonwealth Games and Asian Games has been finalised following a dramatic set of national trials in Patiala that produced major upsets, breakthrough performances, and significant changes within the country’s boxing hierarchy.

The biggest headline from the trials was the absence of two-time world champion Nikhat Zareen, who failed to secure qualification after suffering a semifinal defeat in the women’s 51kg category. At the same time, established names such as Lovlina Borgohain confirmed their places, while emerging boxers like Sakshi Chaudhary announced themselves on the national stage with standout performances.

No boxer generated more attention during the trials than Sakshi Chaudhary. Competing in the women’s 51kg category, Sakshi produced back-to-back statement victories over some of India’s biggest names. She first defeated two-time world champion Nikhat Zareen 4-1 in the semifinal before overcoming reigning national champion and world medallist Minakshi Hooda.

The performances secured her place in both the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games squads. Sakshi’s rise has been building steadily over recent years, particularly through strong performances at the youth level. However, the Patiala trials marked the clearest sign yet that she is ready to challenge India’s established elite at senior level. Her victories also reflected the increasing competitiveness within Indian women’s boxing, where even world champions are no longer guaranteed selection without delivering at the trials.

Nikhat Zareen’s Exit Shakes Up Women’s Boxing

Nikhat Zareen missing out on both the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games is undoubtedly the biggest surprise of the selection process. The 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medallist and multiple-time world champion entered the trials as one of India’s most experienced international boxers. However, the return of the trial-based selection system ensured that reputation alone carried no advantage.

Her 1-4 loss to Sakshi Chaudhary in the semifinal brought an abrupt end to her campaign and confirmed she would miss two of the most important multi-sport events of the cycle. The result also underlined the depth now emerging in Indian boxing, particularly in women’s categories where internal competition continues to intensify.

https://www.indiasportshub.com/articles/sakshi-chaudhary-announces-arrival-from-junior-prodigy-to-india-s-new-51kg-contender

While several major names stumbled, Lovlina Borgohain once again delivered when it mattered. The Olympic medallist secured qualification in the women’s 75kg category and remains one of India’s strongest medal hopes heading into both events. Lovlina’s ability to maintain consistency across Olympic, world, and continental cycles continues to make her one of the most dependable figures in Indian boxing.

Her presence also adds valuable experience to a squad that now includes several younger boxers making their first major multi-sport event appearance.

The Patiala trials produced several other notable outcomes. In the men’s 55kg category, Jadumani Singh defeated Pawan Bartwal to secure qualification, while Sumit Kundu emerged strongly in the men’s 70kg division after defeating highly rated Hitesh Gulia. Hitesh’s exit was another major upset considering his strong performances on the international circuit over recent seasons.

Similarly, former world champion Nitu Ghanghas also missed out after losing to Minakshi Hooda during the women’s 51kg competition. The results collectively highlighted the significance of the restored trial-based selection process, where every bout directly impacted qualification outcomes.

India’s Boxing Squad for Asian Games and CWG 2026

Women’s Squad

• Sakshi Chaudhary – 51kg

• Preeti – 54kg

• Jaismine Lamboria – 57kg (CWG only)

• Priya Ghanghas – 60kg

• Parveen Hooda – 65kg

• Arundhati Chaudhary – 70kg (CWG only)

• Lovlina Borgohain – 75kg

Men’s Squad

• Jadumani Singh – 55kg

• Sachin Siwach – 60kg

• Aditya – 65kg (CWG only)

• Sumit Kundu – 70kg

• Ankush – 80kg

• Kapil – 90kg

• Narender – 90+kg

Certain weight categories feature only in the Commonwealth Games programme, explaining why boxers such as Jaismine Lamboria and Arundhati Chaudhary have qualified exclusively for CWG participation.

The trials also marked the return of a direct competition-based selection model after the Sports Authority of India suspended the earlier assessment-based system. That previous system had faced criticism from athletes over concerns surrounding transparency and selection clarity. The return to open trials was widely welcomed within the boxing community, with many athletes viewing it as a fairer and more accountable pathway. The Patiala results themselves demonstrated exactly why trials continue to matter in Indian sport they reward current form rather than past reputation.

India’s selected boxers will now begin preparations for two major international assignments. The Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the Asian Games in Japan represent crucial milestones in the current Olympic cycle. For several younger athletes, these events will also provide their first exposure to elite multi-sport environments. The squad reflects a blend of experienced medal contenders and emerging names attempting to establish themselves internationally.

Most importantly, the trials reinforced one clear message: competition within Indian boxing is stronger than ever.