New Delhi: The Indian boxing team suffered an unexpected setback ahead of their participation in the 2026 Commonwealth Games when nearly half of the team’s luggage went missing while en route from Belfast to Glasgow days before the event.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 several boxers without their training gear and dress uniforms ahead of Thursday’s opening ceremony.The affected players include Sakshi Chaudhary (51kg), defending world champion Jaismine Lamboria (57kg), Parveen Hooda (65kg), Jadumani Singh (55kg), Kapil Pokhariya (90kg) and men’s head coach C. Kuthapa and several other members of the team.According to news agency PTI, according to team members, the aircraft flying the Belfast-Glasgow route was smaller and some luggage was left behind.The missing luggage contained necessary training equipment as well as the ceremonial attire expected to be worn by the Indian boxers at the opening ceremony of the CWG.The boxing match is due to start on Friday and the team members are now anxiously awaiting the arrival of their luggage so as not to disrupt the final stages of preparations.Ironically, this was the second time the team encountered the same problem during their trip. A similar luggage delay occurred earlier this month while flying from Doha to Belfast for a training camp.The women’s coach is reportedly not staying in the same hotel as the boxers, and the contingent has also been dealing with another logistical issue.
India looks forward to another strong boxing campaign
Despite the off-field inconvenience, India is heading into the Glasgow Olympics with high expectations.The women’s team is led by Olympic bronze medalist Lovrina Borgohain, world number one Jasmine Ramboria, Asian Games bronze medalist Preeti Pawar and World Cup gold medalist Arundhati Chowdhury, all of whom made it to 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 stellar performances at the continental level.The Indian boxing team bagged seven medals at the last Commonwealth Games, including three gold and one silver, and the Glasgow team will be hoping to maintain this rich tradition.
Mary Kom backs medal bid but lowers gold medal expectations
Indian boxing legend MC Mary Kom believes the team has the ability to win multiple medals, but admits she is not looking forward to a gold medal sweep this time around.“We will win medals but I am not counting on gold. I will be happy if it comes,” the six-time world champion and Olympic bronze medalist told PTI in an interview. “At the Commonwealth Games we should at least be in the gold medal game. I pray we win everything.”The 2018 Commonwealth Games gold medalist said representing India comes with a huge responsibility and expressed confidence that the current crop will bring everything for the country.“I just want to send my best wishes to them. It’s not easy to represent India. They all have a responsibility, not just to participate. They also think about winning medals for the country,” she said.However, Mary Kom also expressed concerns about the current state of boxing’s governing body in India, questioning recent selection decisions and lamenting the lack of contact between the Indian Boxing Federation and former champions.
