For boxer Sakshi Chaudhary, her Commonwealth Games gold medal was not just the result of punches thrown inside the ring. Behind her breakthrough moment was a difficult journey involving injuries, a change in weight category and support from an unexpected sporting icon, Virat Kohli.
After winning gold at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Sakshi opened up about Kohli's role in her career. The Haryana boxer revealed that the Virat Kohli Foundation supported her during an important phase of her journey and said the former India captain's backing gave her both financial and motivational support.
Speaking to IANS, Sakshi thanked Kohli for standing by her and said his contribution went beyond sponsorship.
Sakshi Chaudhary reveals Virat Kohli’s role in her boxing journey
Sakshi said her introduction to boxing was inspired by another Indian sporting great, but Kohli later became an important figure in her career.
“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 said, as quoted by IANS.
The boxer also revealed that Kohli offered her advice on handling pressure and encouraged her to remain focused on her performance.
His message was simple, stay calm, do not overthink the occasion and concentrate on what happens inside the ring.
Virat Kohli Foundation supported Sakshi Chaudhary
Kohli's support came through the Virat Kohli Foundation, which has backed athletes across different sporting disciplines.
For Sakshi, that support arrived during a crucial stage of her career as she worked towards competing at the highest level.
The Haryana boxer has now repaid that faith with one of the biggest achievements of her career, a Commonwealth Games gold medal.
Sakshi Chaudhary wins Commonwealth Games boxing gold
Sakshi produced a composed performance in the women's 51kg flyweight final in Glasgow, defeating England's Ruby White by a unanimous 5-0 decision.
The victory secured her a gold medal and capped a remarkable comeback after a difficult period in her career.
Her path to Glasgow was far from straightforward.
From injury setbacks to Commonwealth Games gold
Sakshi missed the 2022 Commonwealth Games and the 2023 Asian Games because of injury.
Rather than allowing those setbacks to derail her career, she made a major change by moving down from the 54kg category to 51kg.
It proved to be a gamble that paid off spectacularly.
The move eventually put her in contention for a Commonwealth Games medal, and she went all the way to the top of the podium.
India’s record-breaking Commonwealth Games boxing campaign
Sakshi was part of an extraordinary Indian boxing campaign at the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
India won 10 boxing medals, including a record seven gold medals, making it one of the country's most successful campaigns in Commonwealth Games boxing history.
Alongside Sakshi, Jaismine Lamboria, Preeti Pawar, Priya Ghanghas, Arundhati Choudhary, Sachin Siwach and Ankush Panghal also won gold medals.
Lovlina Borgohain, Jadumani Singh and Narender Berwal added silver medals to India's tally.
Seven boxing gold medals make history for India
India's haul of seven boxing gold medals at a single Commonwealth Games edition marked a historic achievement.
For Sakshi, however, the triumph carried an additional significance. After missing major tournaments because of injury and changing her weight category, she had finally reached the biggest stage and emerged as a champion.
Her victory also highlighted the importance of support systems for athletes, particularly during periods when injuries, financial challenges and performance pressure can threaten a sporting career.
Sakshi’s journey from Vijender Singh inspiration to Commonwealth Games champion
Sakshi has previously spoken about how watching Vijender Singh inspired her to take up boxing.
Years later, she has carved out her own place in Indian boxing.
Inputs from TOI
