Preeti Pawar discusses weight-cut challenges after reaching Commonwealth Games final
Indian boxer Preeti Pawar has spoken about the difficulties of weight management for athletes, particularly the challenge of not being able to eat properly before a significant bout. Despite these struggles, she noted that the process serves as a motivator, especially after securing a spot in the women’s 54kg final at the Commonwealth Games.
Pawar made history by becoming the first Indian boxer to advance to a final in Glasgow. Her qualification followed a decisive 5-0 victory over Catherine Mwape of Zambia in the women’s 54kg semifinal. She is now set to compete against Scarlett Delgado of Canada in the gold medal match. Delgado earned her place in the final by defeating Lauren Mackie of England with a 4-1 score in the other semifinal.
Semifinal Performance and Preparation
Reflecting on her semifinal win, Pawar described the weight-cutting regimen as an integral part of her training that fuels her drive. She acknowledged the toughness of not consuming food properly but emphasized that being one step away from the final provides strong motivation.
The boxer, who previously secured a bronze medal at the Asian Games, demonstrated control throughout her bout against Mwape. She effectively utilized her left straight and consistently landed counter-attacks after drawing her opponent forward. Pawar expressed satisfaction with her performance, stating that she was able to execute her prepared strategy.
Pawar also highlighted her approach to competition, noting that she never underestimates her opponents and meticulously prepares with her coaches. She conveyed happiness in being able to implement these detailed plans during her matches.
Mwape faced considerable difficulty in landing clean punches and was repeatedly caught by Pawar’s combinations. The Zambian boxer received three eight-counts during the initial two rounds, underscoring Pawar’s dominance. The judges’ scorecards reflected this control, with all five judges awarding Pawar a 10-8 score in the second round.
With the outcome largely determined, Mwape spent the final round attempting to evade Pawar’s attacks. The Indian boxer ultimately secured a comfortable 5-0 victory, advancing to the final.
Other Indian Boxing Successes and Commonwealth Games Updates
In other boxing developments at the Commonwealth Games, Jadumani secured his place in the men’s 55kg boxing final. He defeated Haoseb by unanimous decision in their semifinal bout. Jadumani will now compete for the gold medal against Dixon in the final. His advancement means he joins Ankush, Jaismine, and Arundhati in the boxing finals, marking a successful period for India’s boxing contingent.
Jadumani started his semifinal strongly, winning the opening round with a powerful finish that impressed the judges. Despite Haoseb’s aggressive approach and higher work rate early on, Jadumani displayed strong defensive skills, avoiding most punches before finding his rhythm. He landed crucial blows midway through the round and finished with a powerful punch, leading all five judges to award him the first round.
Jaismine also delivered a commanding performance, securing her spot in the boxing final with a Referee Stops Contest (RSC) victory over Maselela in the semifinal. Jaismine took control in the second round, landing a series of powerful punches that led to a standing count for her opponent. She maintained relentless pressure, resulting in a second standing count and ultimately a third, prompting the referee to stop the contest. This dominant display sends Jaismine to the final to compete for a gold medal.
Beyond boxing, Asmita Dey clinched a gold medal for India in Judo in the Women’s 48kg category. Dey’s performance was described as calm and commanding, as she maintained composure and executed precise attacks to overcome her Canadian opponent in a close final. Her 2-1 Yuko victory secured India’s latest gold medal, concluding her unbeaten campaign at the Games.
In athletics, Indian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra is set to begin his quest to reclaim the Commonwealth Games title in the men’s javelin throw event at the Scotstoun Stadium. Chopra, who won gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games but missed the 2022 edition due to injury, returns to the Games with the aim of securing his second title. Earlier in the 2026 season, he competed at the Doha Diamond League, marking his first competition after recovering from a back injury, where he registered a throw of 85.69 metres.
Meanwhile, Tejaswin Shankar achieved another personal best in the men’s decathlon, throwing 39.66m in the discus to earn 658 points. Shankar, who also set a personal best in the long jump on Day 1, remains in contention for a Commonwealth Games medal.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
