Training gear, opening ceremony kits missing: Indian boxers hit by luggage chaos ahead of CWG 2026 | Commonwealth Games News
NEW DELHI: The Indian boxing contingent suffered an unexpected setback even before throwing a punch at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, with nearly half of the team’s luggage lost during their journey from Belfast to Glasgow just days before the competition began.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 many 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 some members of the squad.According to the report of the news agency PTI, according to the team members, the plane operating on the Belfast-Glasgow route was small, which resulted in a part of the luggage being left behind.The missing luggage contained the necessary training gear as well as the ceremonial outfits that the Indian boxers were expected to wear during the CWG opening ceremony.With the scheduled start of the boxing competition this Friday, the contingent is eagerly awaiting the arrival of the luggage to avoid disruption in the final phase of its preparation.Ironically, this is the second time the team has encountered the same travel issue. A similar baggage delay occurred earlier this month while traveling from Doha to Belfast for a training camp.Another logistical issue was also faced by the contingent after the women’s coach was reportedly not accommodated in the same hotel as the boxers.
India are looking forward to another strong boxing campaign
Despite the tough outside, India entered the Glasgow Games with high expectations.The women’s squad is led by Olympic bronze medalist Lovlina Borgohain, world No. 1 Jaismine Lamboria, Asian Games bronze medalist Preeti Pawar and World Cup gold medalist Arundhati Chaudhary, who all reached the podium at the Asian Championships this year.Among the men, Sachin Siwach and Narender Berwal are expected to lead India’s medal challenge after their impressive performances at the continental level.In the last Commonwealth Games, Indian boxing returned with seven medals, including three gold and one silver, and the Glasgow contingent hopes to continue the rich tradition.
Mary Kom backed a medal haul but held back gold expectations
Indian boxing legend MC Mary Kom believes that the team can bring home more medals but admits that she does not expect a golden sweep this season.“We will win medals but I don’t expect gold. If it comes, I will be happy,” said the six-time world champion and Olympic bronze medalist in an interview with PTI. “At the Commonwealth Games, we should at least be in the gold medal bouts. I pray that we win everything.”The 2018 Commonwealth Games gold medalist said that representing India comes with a huge responsibility and expressed confidence that the current crop will give everything for the country.“I just want to give my best wishes to them. It is not easy to represent India. They have all got a responsibility, not just to participate. They will also think about coming back with medals for the country,” he said.However, Mary Kom also expressed concern about the current state of Indian boxing administration, questioned recent selection decisions and lamented the lack of partnership between the Boxing Federation of India and former champions.
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