NEW DELHI: India’s boxing contingent has suffered an unexpected setback even before throwing a punch at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, with nearly half the team’s luggage going missing during their journey from Belfast to Glasgow just days before competition begins.The 22-member Indian contingent arrived in Glasgow on Tuesday after completing a preparatory training camp in Belfast, but several bags failed to make the short flight, leaving multiple boxers without their training equipment and ceremonial attire ahead of Thursday’s opening ceremony.Among those affected are Sakshi Chaudhary (51kg), reigning world champion Jaismine Lamboria (57kg), Parveen Hooda (65kg), Jadumani Singh (55kg), Kapil Pokhariya (90kg) and men’s head coach C. Kuttappa, along with a few other members of the squad.As per news agency PTI’s report, according to team members, the aircraft operating the Belfast-Glasgow route was relatively small, resulting in a portion of the baggage being left behind.The missing luggage contains essential training gear as well as the ceremonial outfits that the Indian boxers are expected to wear during the CWG opening ceremony.With the boxing competition scheduled to begin on Friday, the contingent is now anxiously awaiting the arrival of the baggage to avoid disruption to its final phase of preparations.Ironically, this is the second time the team has encountered the same issue during the trip. A similar baggage delay occurred earlier this month while travelling from Doha to Belfast for the training camp.The contingent has also been dealing with another logistical issue after the women’s coach was reportedly not accommodated in the same hotel as the boxers.
India eye another strong boxing campaign
Despite the off-field inconvenience, India enters the Glasgow Games with high expectations.The women’s squad is spearheaded by Olympic bronze medallist Lovlina Borgohain, world No. 1 Jaismine Lamboria, Asian Games bronze medallist Preeti Pawar and World Cup gold medallist Arundhati Chaudhary, all of whom reached the podium at this year’s Asian Championships.Among the men, Sachin Siwach and Narender Berwal are expected to lead India’s medal challenge following their impressive performances at the continental level.At the previous Commonwealth Games, Indian boxing returned with seven medals, including three golds and one silver, and the Glasgow contingent will be hoping to maintain that rich tradition.
Mary Kom backs medal haul but tempers gold expectations
Indian boxing legend MC Mary Kom believes the team is capable of bringing home multiple medals but admitted she is not expecting a golden sweep this time.“We will win medals but I don’t expect gold. If it comes, I will be happy,” the six-time world champion and Olympic bronze medallist said in an interview with PTI. “In Commonwealth Games, we should be in at least the gold medal bouts. I pray we win everything.”The 2018 Commonwealth Games gold medallist said representing India carries enormous responsibility and expressed confidence that the current crop would give everything for the country.“I just want to give my best wishes to them. It’s not easy to represent India. They are all getting responsibility, not just to participate. They will also think about coming back with medals for the country,” she said.However, Mary Kom also expressed concern over the current state of Indian boxing administration, questioning recent selection decisions and lamenting the lack of engagement between the Boxing Federation of India and former champions.
