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NEW DELHI: The Indian boxing contingent suffered an unexpected setback even before it set off for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, with almost half of the team’s luggage missing during their journey from Belfast to Glasgow just days before the competition began.The 22-strong 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 training gear and formal wear ahead of Thursday’s opening ceremony.Those affected include 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 several other team members.According to a report by news agency PTI, according to team members, the aircraft flying on the Belfast-Glasgow route was relatively small, resulting in some luggage being left behind.The missing luggage contains basic training equipment as well as formal wear that Indian boxers are supposed 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 luggage to avoid disrupting the final phase of preparations.Ironically, this is the second time the team has encountered the same problem during the trip. A similar baggage delay occurred earlier this month while he was traveling from Doha to Belfast for a training camp.The contingent also dealt with another logistical issue after the women’s coach was reportedly not staying in the same hotel as the female boxers.
India are eyeing another strong boxing campaign
Despite off-field discomfort, India enters the Glasgow Games with high expectations.The women’s team is led by Olympic bronze medalist Lovlina Borgohain, world number one Jaismine Lamboria, Asian Games bronze medalist Preeti Pawar and World Cup gold medalist 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 after their impressive performances at the continental level.In 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 winning but moderates gold expectations
Indian boxing legend MC Mary Kom believes the team is capable of bringing home more medals, but admitted she is not expecting a golden sweep this time around.“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 medalist said in an interview to PTI. “At the Commonwealth Games we should at least be in contention for the gold medal. I pray we win it all.”The 2018 Commonwealth Games gold medalist said representing India carries a huge responsibility and expressed confidence that the current crop will give it their all for the country.“I just want to wish them all the best. It’s not easy to represent India. They all get responsibility, not just participation. “They will also be thinking about coming back with medals for the state,” 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 commitment between the Boxing Federation of India and former champions.
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