A Special Victory That Made Every Indian Proud
India celebrated a memorable sporting moment at the Commonwealth Games 2026 as young boxer Jadumani Singh Mandengbam defeated Pakistan's Sumama Rehman by a dominant 5-0 unanimous decision in the men's 55kg Round of 16.
The victory was even more emotional because it came on **Kargil Vijay Diwas**, the day India remembers the bravery and sacrifice of its soldiers who won the Kargil War in 1999. An India-Pakistan contest always attracts attention, but this win carried extra meaning for millions of Indians.
A Tough Start Before Jadumani Took Complete Control
The match began with both boxers testing each other. Pakistan's Sumama Rehman tried to use his height and longer reach to control the fight from a distance.
However, Jadumani had a different plan.
Using his quick footwork, explosive speed, and sharp punching combinations, the Indian boxer kept closing the distance and landed cleaner shots throughout the opening round. While it was a closely contested start, Jadumani did enough to edge ahead on the judges' scorecards.
Second Round Changed Everything
The second round was where Jadumani completely took over the contest.
He avoided Rehman's attacks with excellent movement and responded with accurate combinations that repeatedly found their target. His aggressive approach eventually forced the Pakistani boxer into a **standing eight-count**, putting India firmly in control of the bout.
With the Indian supporters cheering loudly inside the arena, Jadumani looked full of confidence and even showed a bit of flair before the round ended. All five judges awarded the round to the Indian boxer.
No Comeback for Pakistan in the Final Round
Knowing he was behind, Rehman came out aggressively in the final round, hoping to turn the match around.
But Jadumani stayed calm.
His defensive skills, ring awareness, and smart movement prevented the Pakistani boxer from creating any real opportunities. He continued to land cleaner punches while controlling the pace of the fight.
When the final bell rang, the judges unanimously scored the bout 5-0 in Jadumani Singh's favour, sealing a convincing victory for India.
Victory Dedicated to the Heroes of Kargil
After the match, Jadumani dedicated his victory to the brave soldiers who fought in the Kargil War.
Speaking to ANI, he said:
"I dedicate my win to the Kargil heroes. It feels great to beat Pakistan. I will perform even better in the quarterfinals and win Gold for India."
His heartfelt tribute made the victory even more meaningful, especially on a day when the entire nation was honouring the courage of India's armed forces.
Two Dominant Wins in a Row
Jadumani has looked unstoppable in Glasgow so far.
Before defeating Pakistan, he had comfortably beaten Scotland's Aaron Cullen by another 5-0 unanimous decision in the Round of 32.
Winning two consecutive bouts without dropping a single judge's decision shows the kind of form and confidence the 22-year-old boxer is carrying into the tournament.
Moving Up a Weight Category Is Paying Off
Hailing from Manipur, Jadumani previously competed in the 50kg category, where he won a silver medal at the World Boxing Cup Finals in Noida last year.
This season, he moved up to the 55kg division, and the decision appears to be paying off. The extra strength, improved recovery, and increased confidence have made him an even more dangerous boxer inside the ring.
Quarterfinal Challenge Awaits
Jadumani's next challenge will be against England's Ellis Trowbridge in the quarterfinals.
A win in that bout will guarantee him at least a bronze medal, as both losing semifinalists receive bronze medals in Commonwealth Games boxing.
With his current form, Indian fans will be hoping he can continue this winning run and move one step closer to the gold medal.
A Great Day for Indian Boxing
It wasn't just Jadumani who impressed on the day.
Indian boxer Preeti Pawar also advanced to the women's 54kg quarterfinals after a dominant referee-stopped victory. Meanwhile, Olympic medallist Lovlina Borgohain has already secured at least a bronze medal after receiving a direct entry into the semifinals.
These performances highlight the strong start India has made in the boxing competition at the Commonwealth Games 2026.
A Victory Every Indian Will Remember
An India-Pakistan sporting contest is always special, but winning so convincingly on Kargil Vijay Diwas made this moment unforgettable.
Jadumani Singh not only showcased his boxing skills under pressure but also reminded everyone what it means to represent the country with pride.
Now, all eyes are on his quarterfinal clash as he continues his journey towards a Commonwealth Games medal and perhaps even a historic gold for India.
Read more:
Indian Navy's Ancy Sojan Creates History, Breaks 22-Year-Old National Long Jump Record
