Sakshi Chaudhary Highlights Virat Kohli's Crucial Role in Her CWG 2026 Boxing Gold Win
Indian boxer Sakshi Chaudhary has credited former Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli for playing a vital role in her journey to gold at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. S
Indian boxer Sakshi Chaudhary has credited former Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli for playing a vital role in her journey to gold at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Speaking after her decisive victory in the women’s 51kg flyweight final, the 22-year-old revealed that financial and psychological backing from the Virat Kohli Foundation helped sustain her career through severe injuries and prolonged absences from international competition. India Officially Takes Over Commonwealth Games 2030 Host Duties in Glasgow Handover (Watch Video).
Sakshi Chaudhary Speaks Post CWG Gold Win
Following her final bout, Chaudhary publicly acknowledged Kohli’s sponsorship, which supported her training and rehabilitation over a three-year period.
"I started boxing after watching Vijender Singh, but in my journey, Virat Kohli has also supported me a lot. He has been my sponsor, so I would like to thank him too," Chaudhary told news agency IANS.
Chaudhary, a Havildar in the Indian Army hailing from Haryana’s Bhiwani district, defeated England’s Ruby White by a 5–0 unanimous decision to secure the title. The triumph marks a significant comeback for the pugilist, who was sidelined for 18 months due to a debilitating shoulder injury that forced her to miss both the 2022 Commonwealth Games and the 2023 Asian Games. India Concludes Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026 Campaign with 39 Medals, Securing Fourth Place Finish on Medal Tally.
Chaudhary’s path to Glasgow required a sharp technical and physical transition. Originally competing in the 54kg division, where she previously claimed titles at the World Junior and Youth Championships, she dropped down to the 51kg category to pursue national selection.
During national trials at the Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports in Patiala, Chaudhary defeated two-time world champion Nikhat Zareen and reigning world champion Minakshi Hooda to earn her place on the Commonwealth squad.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 07, 2026 11:45 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).