Women boxers will corner the glory at Asian Games: Vijender Singh

NEW DELHI: The gloves have barely cooled after India’s record-breaking 2026 Commonwealth Games campaign, but Vijender Singh knows the real examination begins now.As India heads to AichiNagoya, the former Olympic and World Championships bronze medallist sounded a note of caution.“In comparison with the Commonwealth Games, the Asian Games will be tough for our boxers. They’re in good form, doing great but Asian Games will be different and far more difficult,” Vijender told TOI.His assessment comes at a particularly interesting moment. Indian boxing returned from Glasgow with seven gold medals and three silver — its best-ever haul at a Commonwealth Games. Among those who climbed to the top of the podium were Sachin Siwach, Sakshi Chaudhary, Preeti Pawar and Priya Ghanghas, three of whom Vijender identified as key medal hopes for Aichi-Nagoya.The challenge is that the Asian ring brings a different kind of pressure. China, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Japan have traditionally provided some of the continent’s deepest boxing strength, with several of their fighters also operating at the Olympic level. Yet, Vijender expects India to return with a healthy medal haul, though he sees the women leading the charge.“I think our boxers can get three to four medals from the Asian Games. Let’s say, I’m expecting two-three from the girls and one or two medals can be clinched by the boys too.”His confidence in the women is understandable. Sakshi, Preeti and Priya arrive in Aichi-Nagoya after gold-medal performances in Glasgow.“Among the men, Sachin (Siwach) is a strong medal hope for India. Then there is (Narender) Berwal, who won bronze at the 2022 Asian Games. He also won the Arjuna award recently.“But my favourites are the girls. There is Sakshi (Chaudhary), Preeti (Pawar), who are strong contenders, and I also think that Priya Ghanghas is going to perform really well at the Asian Games. Coaches, trainers, who I’ve spoken to, have been raving about these three women boxers,” Vijender said.Siwach and Berwal, too, will go to Aichi-Nagoya with fresh evidence of their rising credentials. Siwach won the 60kg gold in Glasgow, while Berwal took silver in the 90kg plus category.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.