Glasgow:Indian boxer Jadumani Singh Mandengbam delivered a commanding performance at the Commonwealth Games 2026, defeating Pakistan’s Sumama Rehman to advance to the men’s 55kg quarterfinals. The 22-year-old later dedicated his victory to the brave soldiers of the 1999 Kargil War, making the moment even more significant as the bout took place on Kargil Vijay Diwas.
Jadumani dominated the Round of 16 contest from start to finish, earning a 5-0 unanimous decision from the judges. The convincing victory kept India’s hopes alive in the weight category and secured his place among the final eight competitors.
Speaking after the bout, the Manipur-born boxer said the win was a tribute to the country’s Kargil heroes. Expressing pride over defeating his Pakistani opponent, he added that his focus was now firmly on winning the gold medal for India.
The India-Pakistan clash had generated considerable interest before the competition, but Jadumani maintained control throughout the three rounds, leaving little opportunity for his opponent to make a comeback.
Before this contest, Jadumani had already impressed with another 5-0 unanimous victory over Scotland’s Aaron Cullen in the opening round. His successive dominant performances have established him as one of India’s strongest medal contenders in boxing at the Glasgow Games.
The Indian boxer will now compete in the quarterfinals on Tuesday. A victory in that bout will not only secure him a place in the semifinals but also guarantee India at least a bronze medal, as both losing semifinalists in Commonwealth Games boxing receive bronze.
Jadumani has enjoyed a steady rise in international boxing over the past year. After claiming a silver medal in the 50kg category at the World Boxing Cup Finals in Noida, he moved up to the 55kg division, where he has continued his impressive form.
India’s campaign at the Commonwealth Games also witnessed success in other disciplines on Sunday. Olympic medallist Mirabai Chanu clinched her third successive Commonwealth Games gold medal in the women’s 48kg weightlifting event, while Chanambam Rishikanta Singh secured silver in the men’s 60kg category. Weightlifter Raja Muthupandi also added another silver to India’s tally in the men’s 65kg event.
With Jadumani carrying strong momentum into the knockout stages, India’s boxing contingent remains well placed to add more medals to the country’s growing haul at the Commonwealth Games.
