Sakshi Chaudhary eyes Asian Games 2026 after CWG gold in Glasgow
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Indian boxer Sakshi Chaudhary has set her sights firmly on the Asian Games 2026 after clinching the gold medal in the women's 51kg category at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, declaring she wants to 'give the best of my abilities' on the next big stage. The Asian Games are scheduled to begin in Japan on 19 September.
A Dominant Run in Glasgow
Sakshi was unbeaten throughout the Commonwealth Games campaign, compiling a perfect record across every round from the pre-quarterfinals to the final. In the gold-medal bout, she defeated England's Ruby White by a commanding 5-0 unanimous decision, with judges' scorecards reading 30-27, 29-28, 30-27, 30-26 and 30-27.
Her performance was marked by sharp footwork, composed defence, precise combinations and intelligent tactical adjustments. She controlled the contest against White from the opening bell, never allowing her opponent a sustained foothold in any round.
What Sakshi Said
'Winning a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games is a dream come true moment for me. And now my complete focus is on the Asian Games. These are the platforms that I have always aimed at, and I want to give the best of my abilities,' Sakshi said.
On the motivation that drives her, the boxer was emphatic: 'I play for my country. This constant thought pumps me up and gives me the strength and courage to do better than the last match I played.'
Preparations Already Underway
Sakshi confirmed she would transition immediately into Asian Games preparation, drawing on the tactical lessons from her Glasgow outing. 'I will begin my training for the Asian Games now. I have learnt a lot from my Commonwealth matches, and I will always cherish this experience,' she said.
This comes amid a broader resurgence in Indian women's boxing at the international level, with athletes increasingly converting Commonwealth podium finishes into Asian Games and World Championship contention. Notably, the Asian Games field is expected to be significantly more competitive, with powerhouses from China, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in the mix.
What to Watch Next
Sakshi's transition from Glasgow to Japan will be closely monitored by Indian boxing officials. A strong Asian Games campaign could also strengthen her case for future Olympic qualification cycles. With the gold already secured and confidence high, the 51kg division will be one to watch when competition opens in Japan in September.