Lovlina Borgohain, Preeti Pawar lead India's 12-member squad at Usti nad Labem GP
Synopsis
India's two biggest boxing names — Olympic medallist Lovlina Borgohain and Asian champion Preeti Pawar — will lead a 12-member squad at the Grand Prix Usti nad Labem in Czechia from 17–21 June. With World No. 1 Jaismine Lamboria sidelined by injury, the tournament doubles as a crucial Commonwealth Games 2026 trial under real competitive pressure.
Key Takeaways
BFI named a 12-member squad for the Grand Prix Usti nad Labem in Czechia, scheduled 17–21 June .
Lovlina Borgohain (75kg) and Preeti Pawar (54kg) headline the women's contingent.
1 Jaismine Lamboria and Arundhati Choudhary are absent due to injury.
The tournament, over five decades old, will be held under World Boxing regulations as a European Boxing Gold Tournament .
The event forms a key part of India's build-up to the Commonwealth Games, Glasgow 2026 .
Olympic medallist Lovlina Borgohain and Asian Championships gold medallist Preeti Pawar will spearhead India's challenge at the Grand Prix Usti nad Labem in Czechia, scheduled from 17 to 21 June, as the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) named a 12-member squad for the prestigious European tournament. The announcement comes as India's preparations for the Commonwealth Games, Glasgow 2026 gather significant momentum.
India's Key Names
Lovlina Borgohain (75kg) and Preeti Pawar (54kg) headline the women's contingent, with Borgohain carrying the weight of expectation as one of India's most decorated active boxers. The women's squad is further bolstered by Sakshi (51kg), Priya (60kg), and Parveen (65kg). Notably, World No. 1 Jaismine Lamboria and Arundhati Choudhary will not travel with the team as both continue their recovery from injuries.
The men's side features Jadumani Singh (55kg), Sachin Siwach (60kg), Aditya Pratap (65kg), Sumit (70kg), Ankush (80kg), Kapil Pokhariya (90kg), and Narender (+90kg).
About the Tournament
One of Europe's longest-running boxing competitions, the Grand Prix Usti nad Labem has been a fixture on the global calendar for more than five decades. This edition will be conducted as a European Boxing Gold Tournament under World Boxing regulations, featuring competition across 10 men's and 10 women's weight categories. The competitive European setting offers Indian boxers rare exposure to varied international opposition ahead of a packed calendar.
What the BFI Said
BFI president Ajay Singh said the tournament 'is one of the most respected international boxing tournaments and offers an excellent platform for our athletes to compete against strong opposition from around the world.' Singh added that 'such opportunities are important as they continue to gain experience, build confidence and test themselves in different competitive environments,' and wished the team success in the Czech Republic.
Commonwealth Games Build-Up
The squad includes top-ranked athletes across a majority of Commonwealth Games weight categories, making the Usti nad Labem GP a critical dress rehearsal. The tournament will allow the coaching staff to fine-tune combinations, assess form, and gauge readiness against strong European and international opposition. This is part of BFI's sustained push to ensure Indian boxers enter Glasgow 2026 with maximum competitive mileage. With the injury absences of Lamboria and Choudhary, the event also presents an opportunity for fringe athletes to press their claims for selection.
Indian squad:
Women: Sakshi (51kg), Preeti Pawar (54kg), Priya (60kg), Parveen (65kg), Lovlina Borgohain (75kg)
Men: Jadumani Singh (55kg), Sachin Siwach (60kg), Aditya Pratap (65kg), Sumit (70kg), Ankush (80kg), Kapil Pokhariya (90kg), Narender (+90kg)
Point of View
It is a routine international exposure trip; beneath it, the absence of World No. 1 Jaismine Lamboria and Arundhati Choudhary due to injury is a meaningful dent in India's Commonwealth Games depth. BFI's strategy of stacking the calendar with European tournaments is sound, but the injury management of its top athletes will determine whether Glasgow 2026 delivers medals or missed opportunities. Lovlina remains the marquee name, but Preeti Pawar's presence at 54kg signals that the federation is actively building a second tier of medal contenders — a structural shift worth watching.
NationPress
11 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is leading India's squad at the Grand Prix Usti nad Labem 2026?
Olympic medallist Lovlina Borgohain (75kg) and Asian Championships gold medallist Preeti Pawar (54kg) are the headline names in India's 12-member squad for the Grand Prix Usti nad Labem in Czechia, scheduled from 17 to 21 June 2026.
Why are Jaismine Lamboria and Arundhati Choudhary not travelling with the team?
World No. 1 Jaismine Lamboria and Arundhati Choudhary are both recovering from injuries and will not be part of the squad for the Usti nad Labem Grand Prix. Their absences are a notable gap ahead of the Commonwealth Games build-up.
What is the Grand Prix Usti nad Labem?
The Grand Prix Usti nad Labem is one of Europe's oldest and most respected boxing tournaments, with a history spanning more than five decades. This edition will be conducted as a European Boxing Gold Tournament under World Boxing regulations, featuring 10 men's and 10 women's weight categories.
How does this tournament connect to the Commonwealth Games Glasgow 2026?
The BFI has structured the Usti nad Labem GP as part of India's build-up to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2026. The squad includes top-ranked athletes across most Commonwealth Games weight categories, making it a key preparation and selection benchmark.
Who are the men's boxers in India's squad for Usti nad Labem?
The men's team comprises Jadumani Singh (55kg), Sachin Siwach (60kg), Aditya Pratap (65kg), Sumit (70kg), Ankush (80kg), Kapil Pokhariya (90kg), and Narender (+90kg).
