Indian boxer Preeti Pawar secured her place in the women’s 54kg boxing final at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow on Friday, July 31, after defeating Zambia’s Catherine Mwape by unanimous decision. The victory assures Pawar of at least a silver medal and gives her an opportunity to fight for Commonwealth Games gold on Saturday.
Preeti Pawar Dominates Catherine Mwape in Semifinal
Pawar controlled the semifinal from the opening bell, using her southpaw stance, sharp combinations and intelligent movement to keep Mwape under pressure.
Her dominance was evident in the opening round when she forced a standing count on the Zambian boxer before taking the round 5-0. Three judges scored the round 10-8 in Pawar’s favour, according to ESPN.
Mwape attempted to increase the pressure in the second round, but Pawar continued to find openings with accurate counter-punching. Another standing count against the Zambian highlighted the Indian boxer’s control, with all five judges again awarding the round 10-8 to Pawar.
The Zambian boxer came out aggressively in the final round, but Pawar remained composed. She landed clean body shots and left-right combinations before comfortably closing out the contest to earn a unanimous decision.
The victory booked Pawar’s place in the women’s 54kg gold medal bout.
Preeti Pawar Sets Sights on Women’s 54kg Gold
Pawar will face Canada’s Scarlett Delgado in the women’s 54kg final on Saturday.
The Indian boxer is now aiming to add a Commonwealth Games gold medal to the World Cup and Asian Championships titles she won earlier this year.
Speaking to ANI in Glasgow after her semifinal victory, Pawar said she does not feel pressure ahead of the final but acknowledged that she will need to prepare carefully for her next opponent.
«“There’s no pressure, but of course, it’s the final, so I’ll have to prepare more for it. I’ll make my game plan according to that and give my best. I have very little time, but I’ll prepare now for the next opponent and how I need to fight,”»
Pawar also dedicated her assured medal to the people of India and thanked them for their support, prayers and blessings.
«“This [medal] is for everyone because the whole of India has high hopes for me and everyone’s prayers and blessings are with me. Everyone has supported me, and this medal is for everyone,”»
Preeti Pawar Assures India of At Least Silver
Pawar had already secured at least a bronze medal by reaching the semifinals. Her victory over Mwape has now guaranteed her at least a silver medal, while Saturday’s final will determine whether she can go one step further and claim gold.
The Indian boxer said she has very little time before the final but will use it to prepare a fresh game plan based on her next opponent.
India’s Commonwealth Games 2026 Medal Tally
India have won 17 medals so far at the Commonwealth Games 2026, according to the supplied ANI report.
The gold medals have come through Mirabai Chanu in women’s 48kg weightlifting, Sharmila Dhankar in women’s shot put F57 and Dilip Gavit in the men’s 100m T47.
The report lists silver medals for Rishikanta Singh, Muthupandi Raja, Gyaneshwari Yadav, Sarvesh Kushare, Valluri Ajaya Babu, Harjinder Kaur, Gulveer Singh, Murali Sreeshankar, Mohammed Basil and Lovepreet Singh.
The bronze medallists listed are Jhandu Kumar, Bindyarani Devi, Shilpa K Shyla and Seema Kaliramna.
With Preeti Pawar now assured of at least a silver medal, India have another opportunity to add to their Commonwealth Games 2026 medal tally when she takes on Scarlett Delgado in the women’s 54kg final on Saturday.
Source: ANI
