Bhiwani boxer Sakshi Chaudhary thanks Virat Kohli for Commonwealth Games support
Chaudhary’s Commonwealth Games Triumph
Sakshi Chaudhary, a boxer from Bhiwani, expressed her gratitude to former India captain Virat Kohli for his sponsorship during her successful Commonwealth Games campaign. Chaudhary secured a gold medal in the 51kg category at the CWG 2026 in Glasgow, marking a significant achievement in her career.
Her victory came after she defeated Ruby White of England with a 5-0 score in the women’s 51kg final, contributing to India’s medal tally in boxing. This win was particularly notable as it followed an impressive comeback from a serious shoulder injury that had nearly derailed her career.
Chaudhary’s journey to the gold medal involved dropping a weight category and overcoming several established competitors, including world champion Nikhat Zareen, to earn her place on the India squad. Her podium finish was described as especially satisfying given this challenging background.
Kohli’s Sponsorship and Support
Chaudhary revealed that Kohli had been her sponsor throughout her journey. She stated, “Virat Kohli has also supported me a lot throughout my journey. He has been my sponsor, and I would like to thank him as well.” This support was provided through the Virat Kohli Foundation, which has assisted Indian sportspersons for a period of three years, particularly during financially challenging times for the boxer.
Both Sakshi Chaudhary and her father, Manoj, have acknowledged Kohli’s role in supporting her career. Chaudhary also cited Kohli’s grit, work ethic, and discipline as sources of inspiration. The foundation, established in 2013, aims to help Indian athletes achieve their potential.
Kohli’s involvement in supporting Indian sports extends beyond Chaudhary, as he has been associated with multiple charities throughout his career. His patronage is seen as a significant factor in elevating the Indian sporting scene, with the hope that his quiet support will inspire more high-profile figures to invest in athletes across various sports.
A Dream Fulfilled
Chaudhary spoke about the profound pride she felt during the medal ceremony. She described hearing the national anthem played and seeing the Tricolour raised abroad as a dream come true. “The proudest moment was when the national anthem was played and the Tricolour was raised. Hearing the national anthem abroad because of my achievement was a dream come true. We work so hard for our country, and winning a gold medal for India is a matter of immense pride,” she added.
The Indian boxing contingent demonstrated strong performance at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, securing seven gold and three silver medals. This made India the nation with the most boxing medals at the event. In the women’s division, Indian boxers claimed five out of the six available gold medals, with Chaudhary being one of these five gold medalists from Bhiwani, Haryana.
Chaudhary also credited former Indian boxer and Olympic bronze medalist Vijender Singh as her inspiration and idol, stating that she started boxing after watching him. Her victory underscores the impact of both personal determination and external support in achieving sporting success.
Chaudhary’s parents and family had hoped for her to win the gold medal, and she expressed happiness at fulfilling that promise, stating she gave her 100% for the medal.
Source: m.rediff.com
