Indian boxer Jadumani Singh Mandengbam delivered a powerful performance at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow, defeating Pakistan's Sumama Rehman by a 5-0 unanimous decision in the men's 55kg Round of 16 on Sunday. The 22-year-old from Manipur dedicated his victory to the heroes of the Kargil War, coinciding with Kargil Vijay Diwas observed annually on July 26.
Dominant performance against Pakistan's Sumama Rehman
Jadumani controlled the bout from start to finish, earning the unanimous verdict from all five judges. Rehman had entered the contest after a first-round bye, while Jadumani previously defeated Scotland's Aaron Cullen 5-0 in the Round of 32. The win propelled Jadumani into the quarterfinals, where he will fight on Tuesday for a place in the semifinals—a win guaranteeing at least a bronze medal, as both losing semifinalists in CWG boxing receive bronze.
After the match, Jadumani told ANI, "I dedicate my win to the Kargil heroes. I felt great winning against Pakistan. I will perform even better in the quarterfinals and secure a Gold for India." The entire country had earlier commemorated the 27th Kargil Vijay Diwas, paying tribute to the soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice during the 1999 war.
India's medal hopes in boxing stay alive
Jadumani, who won a silver medal in the 50kg category at the World Boxing Cup Finals in Noida last year before moving up to 55kg this season, has been in excellent form with back-to-back unanimous decision victories in Glasgow. His success adds to a strong campaign for India, which saw Olympic silver medallist Mirabai Chanu win her third successive CWG gold in women's 48kg weightlifting, Chanambam Rishikanta Singh claim silver in men's 60kg, and Raja Muthupandi earn silver in men's 65kg weightlifting.
The Indian boxing contingent now has several medal prospects as the Games progress. With the support of the nation and his dedication to the Kargil heroes, Jadumani aims to bring home gold.
