Hailing from Haryana’s boxing nursery Bhiwani, Army havildar Sakshi Chaudhary, a former World junior and youth champion, took a tough decision to drop from 54kg to 51kg to find a slot in the 2026 Commonwealth Games-bound Indian team. The gamble paid off as she showed her big heart and came through with flying colours.
After breaking English boxer Ruby White’s unbeaten run of 68 bouts and securing a unanimous decision in the women’s 51kg final in Glasgow, Sakshi flashed one of the brightest smiles.
Amid attending felicitation functions and getting ready to rejoin the National camp to prepare for the upcoming Asian Games, she spoke to The Hindu. Excerpts:
Why did you choose to go down from 54kg to 51kg?
Preeti (Pawar) had won the gold medal in the Asian Championships in 54kg. So there were no trials in that category as she had already qualified for the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games. I had the option of going to 51kg and going through the trials.
But there was a risk that you might lose because there was a lot of competition. You could have also got injured while cutting down weight.
I did not think of that. I had an option. I was very hungry. No matter what I had to do, I wanted to compete. This was my first experience of competing in 51kg. Before this, I had competed in 50kg at the National Games in 2023.
Since World champions Minakshi Hooda and Nikhat Zareen were the main boxers in 51kg, what was your mindset?
I had decided that I would not worry about whom I faced in the ring. I just had to give my best. I was my own competitor.
How did you adapt in such a short time?
I managed my weight within 20-25 days. I had almost stopped eating. I used to drink very little water. I had to do extra training.
After training, I had to wear a hot suit to lose weight. Besides that, I had to maintain my performance. It was very difficult. When I was at home, my parents could not see that I was hungry. They used to give me food. I used to ask them not to give me food.
Sakshi Chaudhary.
| Photo Credit:
PTI
How much did you work on your endurance?
Endurance is my strong point. I am the best in endurance and running in the camp. We also train very hard in the Army. I did not have to work much on endurance and strength.
Which was the most difficult bout in the Commonwealth Games?
The final bout was with Ruby White, the England boxer. Before the final, she had not lost a single bout in her life. She was always winning. I stuck to my strategy to win my first medal in a multi-sport event.
What was your best moment in the Commonwealth Games?
My best moment was when I won the medal. Our National anthem was played as I stood on top of the podium. Earlier, it happened with me in different championships. But the vibes were different at the Games.
How is the training environment in the camp?
The training environment is very good. Mentally, we are free. Technically, we are very good. The coaching staff show us videos of different bouts. It is not only the athlete who boxes in the ring. There are support staff, including coaches, physios, and psychologists. Our nutritionist used to give us a diet chart of what to eat and what was available there. So everyone has a hand in the success.
There was a small phase when there was a lot of confusion surrounding the selection trials. Did that affect the boxers’ minds?
Yes, we needed to stay focused, but the stress had increased a little bit because we did not know whether the trials were happening and when they were happening. We had to manage our weight. There was uncertainty.
What does this Commonwealth Games medal mean to you and how much confidence does it give you?
This is the biggest achievement for me till date, so it means a lot to me. It was for me, for my whole family. They were waiting for so long. I have been boxing for 14 years.
My father and my cousin brother Vinit — he always stayed with me at every step and used to motivate me – backed me a lot. I used to get a little demotivated when I didn’t get selected or lost somewhere.
But my family always supported me. I will give them all the credit. I have won the medal because of them. They prayed for me, hoped to see me successful but never expressed their feelings. I could see that there was pressure on them too. They deserved to see me win this medal.
Nitu Ghanghas and you are childhood friends, who won World youth titles together. She became a World champion (at the senior level) before suffering injuries. Do you miss her now?
Yes. I was very happy when she won the gold medal at the last Commonwealth Games. This time I have brought it home, so she is also happy with my medal.
Had she been in my weight, we would have fought in the ring, but we would have remained friends.
In 51kg, we had legends like Mary Kom and Nikhat Zareen. They made India famous. Do you think you can take their place?
No one takes anyone’s place. Everyone performs and gives her best. So I will also give my best. And I will try my best to make India famous.
Mary didi was an icon, and won medals in the World championships and Olympics. Maybe no one will be able to do that in the future.
How different will the Asian Games challenge be and what is your target?
The Asian Games will be more difficult than the Commonwealth Games, because a lot of good competitors will come. But I believe in myself and that I am going through good form. My training is also going well. So I will keep my focus and will try to win a gold medal there too.
What are the chances of improvement in your game now?
I can work a little on the clinch. Because my long-distance game is good. I mean, I play by keeping the opponent away. I get a height advantage. But when the opponent comes close, I have a little difficulty. So we will work on that.
Tell us about your dream of the Olympics.
My ultimate goal is to bring a gold medal for my country in the Olympics. And I am also working for it. From the day I started, I had this dream that I would win a gold medal in the Olympics.
Published – August 20, 2026 07:30 am IST
