NEW DELHI: Indian boxer Jadumani Singh Mandengbam received the men’s 55kg silver medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow after a path filled with uncertainty and obstacles. The 22-year-old from Manipur secured four straight unanimous victories to reach the bantamweight final, where he lost to Australia’s Jye Dixon. His achievement contributed to India’s record boxing performance of seven golds and three silvers, placing the nation first in the sport at the event. The success followed months of doubt over selection and a decision to change weight classes. Former world champion Laishram Sarita Devi, his mentor, explained that Jadumani had competed successfully at 50kg in World Boxing Cups. When that division was removed from major events including the Commonwealth Games, he chose to move to 55kg despite strong competition from established Indian boxers. The shift created selection issues with army and national teams. A federation rule allowing direct entry to nationals for international medalists helped him compete. He defeated top opponents, earned best boxer honors, joined the national camp, and passed final trials involving fitness tests. A ministry ranking requirement for the new category caused further delay until resolved. He trained intensely after selection.
