Indian boxer Jadumani Singh Mandengbam dedicated his victory over Pakistan's Sumama Rehman to the heroes of the Kargil War after advancing to the men's 55kg quarterfinals at the 2026 Commonwealth Games. The 22-year-old delivered a commanding performance to register a 5-0 unanimous decision victory in the Round of 16, keeping India's medal hopes alive in the category. The win came on July 26, observed in India as Kargil Vijay Diwas, adding emotional significance to the triumph.
Speaking after the bout, Jadumani paid tribute to the soldiers who fought in the 1999 Kargil War and expressed his determination to continue his winning run. "I dedicate my win to the Kargil heroes. I felt great winning against Pakistan. I will perform even better in the quarterfinals and secure a gold for India," he said. Earlier in the day, people across India commemorated the 27th Kargil Vijay Diwas by honouring the bravery and sacrifice of the armed forces.
The much-anticipated India-Pakistan contest saw Jadumani dominate from the opening round, leaving little opportunity for his opponent to recover. All five judges awarded the contest in favour of the Indian boxer, underlining his control throughout the bout. Pakistan's Sumama Rehman had entered the Round of 16 after receiving a first-round bye, but was unable to match Jadumani's pace, precision and aggression inside the ring.
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Jadumani had begun his Commonwealth Games campaign with another convincing 5-0 unanimous decision victory over Scotland's Aaron Cullen in the Round of 32. His latest success takes him into the last eight, where he will compete on Tuesday for a place in the semifinals. A victory in the quarterfinals would also guarantee him at least a bronze medal, as both losing semifinalists in Commonwealth Games boxing are awarded bronze medals.
The Manipuri boxer has carried strong form into the Games after winning a silver medal in the 50kg category at the World Boxing Cup Finals in Noida last year. Following his move to the 55kg division this season, he has adapted impressively and has now recorded two consecutive unanimous decision victories in Glasgow. His performances have strengthened expectations that he could challenge for India's next boxing medal at the Games.
India continued its successful campaign across multiple disciplines on Sunday. Olympic silver medallist Mirabai Chanu secured her third successive Commonwealth Games gold medal in the women's 48kg weightlifting event, while Chanambam Rishikanta Singh and Raja Muthupandi added silver medals in the men's 60kg and 65kg categories respectively. With Jadumani Singh progressing to the quarterfinals in dominant fashion, India's boxing contingent remains firmly in contention to add more medals before the Games conclude.
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