'The Whole of India Is Happy': Preeti Pawar on the Gold That Meant More Than a Medal

Two hours after making history, Preeti Pawar wasn't talking about her punches.

She was talking about India.

Fresh from becoming the country's first boxing gold medallist at the Commonwealth Games 2026, the 54kg champion dedicated her victory to the nation, saying the medal belonged to everyone who had stood behind her long before she stepped into the ring in Glasgow.

"I am overjoyed," she said. "I have won the first gold medal for India, and this is just the beginning."

For Pawar, the triumph was bigger than an individual achievement. It was a moment she believes was shared by millions.

"My parents are very happy. In fact, I think the whole of India is happy. Everyone is feeling proud," she said.

The Indian boxer also thanked the institutions that shaped her journey, including the Sports Authority of India (SAI), the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) and the Army Sports Institute.

The final itself was a masterclass in composure.

Canada's Scarlett Delgado landed a few early punches, but Pawar refused to be hurried. She gradually took control of the contest, landing crisp left hooks and sharp combinations to sweep the opening round unanimously.

She tightened her grip in the second round, forcing a standing count after a sustained barrage of accurate punches, leaving the Canadian chasing the fight.

By the final round, the outcome looked inevitable.

Pawar dictated the pace, picked her shots with precision and never allowed Delgado back into the contest. When the final bell rang, the judges unanimously crowned the Indian boxer the Commonwealth Games champion.

The gold was India's first in boxing at the Glasgow Games.

For Pawar, however, the bigger victory was hearing an entire nation celebrate with her.

(With inputs from ANI)