The Nieva effect
The Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026 saw India's women boxers achieve a groundbreaking performance, earning five gold and one silver medal. This result has stunned many in the boxing world and solidified India's rising dominance in the sport. The five gold medals were all in Olympic weight categories, a critical achievement because those divisions typically attract the strongest and most competitive fighters from across the globe. India's performance at the CWG represents a landmark moment for the country's boxing program.
Santiago Nieva, the 58-year-old mentor, was India's high performance director between 2017 and 2021. Before rejoining the team, he guided Australia to two bronze medals at the Paris Olympics. Reflecting on the Commonwealth Games campaign, Nieva expressed that it had surpassed even the highest expectations. The tournament featured formidable teams from countries such as Ireland, Canada, and Australia. In the semi-finals and finals, the competition was fierce, with no medals handed out easily. Indian boxers demonstrated resilience and skill to secure their victories.
The coaching blueprint
Upon returning to Indian boxing, Nieva implemented a coaching philosophy centered around discipline and a deep understanding of tactics. Boxers were trained to manage three critical distances in the ring. Long-distance strategies allowed fighters to stay out of reach and avoid danger. Middle distance enabled them to launch effective attacks. Close-range techniques were crucial for defense, an area where many boxers struggle under pressure. This approach helped athletes, especially those more comfortable at longer ranges, build confidence and adapt to close combat situations.
The results from this new strategy were evident. Fighters learned how to adjust their style as matches progressed, particularly in the final rounds when fatigue becomes a factor. Nieva compared the strategy to football, explaining how teams score when players are smartly positioned. In boxing, he emphasized the importance of making intelligent decisions during a bout. This shift in focus helped the team improve significantly.
Asian Games next
The upcoming challenge for the Indian team is the Asian Games, where they will face top-tier boxing nations like Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, China, and Korea. Earlier this year, the Asian Championships provided a useful benchmark for the Asiad. India won four golds at the championship, an impressive feat the team has not previously achieved in the Asian Games. They are aiming to replicate that success at the next edition of the event.
The use of video analysis has helped the team review their performance and study their opponents. Nieva stated the improvements are genuine and not a matter of luck. Domestic competition in India, which is fierce and constantly pushing athletes to improve, has also contributed to the boxers' progress. The combination of strategic development and strong local competition has positioned India well for future competitions.
Preeti, the 54kg gold medalist at the Commonwealth Games, is a standout example of this progress. Nieva described her as an all-round fighter who combines effective attacking skills with disciplined defense. These abilities, he explained, were vital to her success. Preeti's performance exemplifies the new level of tactical awareness and technical skill being developed under Nieva's guidance.
Nieva also highlighted the importance of adapting to the changing nature of the sport. The team's ability to overcome early-round challenges and handle the pressure in crucial matches played a major role in their success. With the Asian Games and the World Championships on the horizon, the foundation for continued achievements is firmly in place. The experiences gained during the Commonwealth Games have given the team confidence in their ability to perform at the highest levels.
The CWG performance not only brought home medals but also provided the boxers with valuable experience in high-pressure situations. This experience will be crucial as they prepare for the next major competitions. Nieva is optimistic that the lessons learned will help the athletes continue to develop and succeed on the global stage. The team is using this momentum to build toward future events.
As the Los Angeles Olympics approach, the focus remains on maintaining consistency and minimizing mistakes. The team is working to refine every element of their performance, from technique to mental preparation. Nieva's coaching philosophy is a central factor in this development. With the athletes becoming more tactical and confident, India's prospects for earning more medals in the coming years look increasingly promising.
Indian boxer Sakshi Chaudhary described India’s record-breaking boxing performance at the Commonwealth Games 2026 as “feels like a dream” after the country secured a historic total of 10 medals, including seven golds, at the event in Glasgow. Sakshi won the women’s 51kg final with a unanimous 5-0 decision over England’s Ruby White, claiming the gold medal. India’s boxing campaign was the highlight of their Commonwealth Games 2026 participation, with the nation securing seven gold medals out of 10 overall. Other gold medallists included World champion Jaismine Lamboria, Preeti Pawar (54kg), Priya Ghanghas (60kg), Arundhati Choudhary (70kg), Sachin Siwach (60kg), and Ankush Panghal (80kg). Silver medals were won by Lovlina Borgohain, Jadumani Singh, and Narender Berwal, rounding off an impressive performance by Indian boxers. No other country has won more gold medals in boxing at a single edition of the Commonwealth Games. Sakshi and the boxing team received a grand welcome at the IGI Airport in Delhi on August 4. Speaking to ANI, she said, “It feels like a dream and you all have come to welcome us. We are feeling great. This was India’s best performance in the Commonwealth Games. We have got 10 medals, out of which 7 are gold medals. This is history in itself. Now there are Asian Games and we will prepare for them.” In her final bout against Ruby White, Sakshi maintained control throughout, effectively blocking attacks and landing sharp counter-punches, particularly with her right hand. Despite White’s attempts to rally in the closing stages, Sakshi secured the victory with a unanimous verdict. This victory marked a remarkable year for Sakshi, who moved down a weight category to qualify for the Commonwealth Games and defeated two-time world champion Nikhat Zareen during the national selection trials. Earlier in 2026, she became the first Indian woman to win gold at the World Boxing Cup after defeating USA’s Yoseline Perez in Astana. She also secured gold at the Grand Prix Usti nad Labem in Czechia and is a former World Junior and two-time World Youth champion.