India vs Pakistan is on! Jadumani Sets Up Blockbuster Boxing Clash at CWG 2026

An India-Pakistan sporting showdown is back on the calendar.

This time, the stage is the boxing ring at the Commonwealth Games 2026.

India's Jadumani Singh Mandengbam produced a near-perfect performance to storm into the pre-quarterfinals of the men's 55kg event, defeating Scotland's Aaron Cullen by a unanimous 5-0 decision and setting up a blockbuster clash against Pakistan's Sumama Rehman on Sunday.

The 22-year-old Indian was unfazed despite fighting in front of a partisan Scottish crowd at Glasgow's SEC arena. From the opening bell, Jadumani controlled the bout with sharp combinations, relentless pressure and disciplined defence. He earned perfect 10s from all five judges in the first round, repeated the feat in the second and never allowed Cullen a route back into the contest.

The emphatic victory now sets the stage for one of the most anticipated contests of India's boxing campaign, with a place in the quarter-finals on the line. Rehman advanced directly to the pre-quarterfinals after receiving a bye in the opening round, meaning his first bout of the Games will come against the Indian boxer.

Jadumani heads into the contest with growing confidence. The Manipur boxer won a silver medal in the 50kg category at the World Boxing Cup Finals in Noida last year before moving up to the 55kg division this season. He was also the first Indian boxer to step into the ring for the country at the Glasgow Games.

India has fielded a 14-member boxing squad, evenly split between men and women, and the campaign has already begun on a positive note. Olympic medallist Lovlina Borgohain has assured herself of at least a bronze medal after receiving a direct entry into the semi-finals, where both losing semi-finalists are guaranteed bronze under Commonwealth Games rules.

The Indian contingent will remain busy on Saturday as Sachin Siwach opens his campaign against Canada's Al-Ahmadieh Keoma in the men's 60kg event. Elsewhere, bowlers Rupa Rani Tirkey, Pinki and Putul Sonowal will begin their title defence, while the women's artistic gymnastics team, led by Pranati Nayak, will look to make an impact after a disappointing start for the men's team.

India has already opened its medal account at the Games through para powerlifter Jhandu Kumar, who claimed bronze in the men's heavyweight category.

But for many fans, attention will now turn to Sunday. Whenever India and Pakistan face each other, the contest carries an edge of its own. This time, that rivalry will unfold inside the boxing ring, with Jadumani looking to punch India's way into the quarter-finals.

(With inputs from ANI)