‘Felt great beating Pakistan’: Boxer Jadumani Singh dedicates victory to Kargil heroes

Mangalore Today News Network

Scotland, Jul 27, 2026: Indian boxer Jadumani Singh Mandengbam advanced to the men’s 55kg quarterfinals at the Commonwealth Games 2026 with a dominant victory over Pakistan’s Sumama Rehman, and dedicated the win to the heroes of the Kargil War. The 22-year-old outclassed Rehman 5-0 by unanimous decision in the Round of 16 on Sunday, keeping India’s medal hopes alive in the category.

The bout coincided with Kargil Vijay Diwas, observed annually on July 26, and Jadumani marked the occasion by paying tribute to the soldiers who laid down their lives in the 1999 Kargil War.

“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 told ANI after the bout.

The much-anticipated India-Pakistan clash lived up to expectations, but Jadumani remained in complete control throughout, earning the nod from all five judges. Rehman had entered the contest with a bye in the opening round, while Jadumani had already impressed with a 5-0 unanimous decision win over Scotland’s Aaron Cullen in the Round of 32.

With this victory, the Manipuri boxer moved into the last eight and will fight on Tuesday for a place in the semifinals. A win in the quarterfinals will also assure him of at least a bronze medal, as both losing semifinalists in Commonwealth Games boxing are awarded bronze.

Jadumani, who clinched silver in the 50kg category at the World Boxing Cup Finals in Noida last year before moving up to 55kg this season, has been in impressive form with back-to-back unanimous decision wins.

India also enjoyed a successful outing in other events on Sunday. Olympic silver medallist Mirabai Chanu secured her third consecutive Commonwealth Games gold in the women’s 48kg weightlifting event, while Chanambam Rishikanta Singh won silver in the men’s 60kg category. Raja Muthupandi added another silver in the men’s 65kg weightlifting event.

With Jadumani progressing to the quarterfinals, India’s boxing contingent remains firmly in contention for more medals at the Games.