Commonwealth Games 2026: Indian boxers hit by luggage chaos ahead of Glasgow competition, leaving nearly half the team without essential training gear and ceremonial outfits. The 22-member contingent arrived in Glasgow on Tuesday after a preparatory camp in Belfast, only for several bags to go missing on the short flight, causing significant disruption before Thursday’s opening ceremony.
Among those affected are Sakshi Chaudhary (51kg), reigning world champion Jaismine Lamboria (57kg), Parveen Hooda (65kg), Jadumani Singh (55kg), Kapil Pokhariya (90kg), and men’s head coach C. Kuttappa. According to team members, the Belfast-Glasgow flight used a small aircraft, forcing some baggage to be left behind. This marks the second luggage issue on the trip, as a similar delay occurred earlier when traveling from Doha to Belfast for training.
With boxing starting Friday, the Indian squad anxiously awaits the missing bags to avoid disrupting final preparations. Additionally, the team faced a separate logistical problem, as the women’s coach was reportedly not accommodated in the same hotel as the boxers.
Despite these setbacks, India enters the Commonwealth Games 2026 with strong medal hopes. The women’s team, led by Olympic bronze medalist Lovlina Borgohain and world No. 1 Jaismine Lamboria, aims to build on recent Asian Championships success. Among men, Sachin Siwach and Narender Berwal are expected to lead the charge. Legend MC Mary Kom backed India to win medals but tempered gold expectations, saying, “We will win medals but I don’t expect gold. If it comes, I will be happy.” The team will look to maintain India’s proud boxing tradition in Glasgow.