Grounded Preeti Pawar eyes CWG boxing gold
Nothing in life is certain and plans do not always work out the way one hopes. India’s young boxer Preeti Pawar learnt that lesson early in her career, which is why she heads into Common wealth Games with confidence from a stellar run of results but without taking anything for granted.
The 22-year-old bantamweight (54kg) boxer has emerged as one of India’s brightest boxing prospects over the last three years, overcoming setbacks while steadily adding medals to her resume.
Making her senior World Championships debut in 2023, Preeti impressed despite bowing out in the pre-quarterfinals. She bounced back later that year by winning a bronze medal at the Hangzhou Asian Games and securing a quota for the Paris Olympics.
Her Olympic campaign, however, was disrupted after she contracted Hepatitis A just before the Games. Despite the illness affecting her preparations, she still reached the Round of 16.
The experience has made her more measured in her outlook.
“At the Commonwealth Games I want to perform my best and get a medal for India...a gold. Let’s see what will happen because sometimes we plan something but it doesn’t go our way,” Preeti said.
Following a long break after the Olympics, Preeti returned to international competition in style, winning gold at the 2025 World Boxing Cup Final before claiming silver at Boxam Elite International tournament in Spain.
