Indian boxer Sachin Siwach advanced to the pre-quarterfinals of the men's 60kg event at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow, defeating Canada's Keoma Al-Ahmadieh on a 4-1 split decision in a fiercely competitive opening-round bout at the Scottish Event Campus on Saturday, 25 July. The 26-year-old former Commonwealth Youth Games champion held his composure across three tightly fought rounds to set up a last-16 showdown against England's Will Hewitt on Monday.

Round-by-Round Breakdown

The bout opened at a high tempo, with both southpaws trading punches in the centre of the ring. Sachin's sharper timing and cleaner connections gave him a narrow edge in the first round, with three of the five judges scoring it 10-9 in his favour.

Al-Ahmadieh — who claimed bronze in the 57kg category at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games — raised his aggression in the second round in an attempt to seize control of the pace. Sachin responded with composed counter-attacks, convincing all five judges to award him the round and extending his lead on the scorecards.

The Canadian came out swinging in the final three minutes, needing a decisive finish to stay in contention. With a healthy cushion already secured, Sachin adopted a measured approach — controlling tempo and minimising risk. Three judges gave the closing round to Al-Ahmadieh, but the Indian had done enough to clinch the bout on a split decision.

What Awaits in the Pre-Quarters

Sachin's next opponent, England's Will Hewitt, arrives with notable credentials: he made headlines at the World Boxing Championships in Liverpool last year by upsetting Paris Olympic silver medallist Munarbek Seiitbek Uulu. The pre-quarterfinal clash on Monday promises to be a significant step up in difficulty.

India's Boxing Campaign at Glasgow

Sachin became the second Indian boxer to progress at the Glasgow Games, following Jadumani Singh Mandengbam, who registered a comfortable win in the men's 55kg round of 32 on Friday. India have fielded a 14-member boxing squad — seven men and seven women — competing across weight categories.

Notably, Olympic medallist Lovlina Borgohain has already guaranteed at least a bronze medal after receiving a direct entry into the semi-finals. Under Commonwealth Games boxing rules, both losing semi-finalists are awarded bronze, giving India an early foothold on the podium before the knockout rounds intensify.

Context and What's Next

This is the Commonwealth Games' return as a major multi-sport showcase, and India's boxing contingent has historically punched above its weight at the Games. Sachin's progression, built on ring craft and counter-punching discipline rather than outright aggression, reflects a tactical maturity that will be tested further against Hewitt. With Borgohain's medal already secured, India's boxing haul from Glasgow will depend heavily on how many of the remaining squad members can navigate the pre-quarterfinals.