Glasgow, July 27: Indian boxer Jadumani Singh Mandengbam produced a commanding performance to defeat Pakistan’s Sumama Rehman by a unanimous 5-0 decision in the men’s 55kg Round of 16 at the Commonwealth Games 2026, advancing to the quarterfinals on Sunday night at the Scottish Event Campus.
The 22-year-old Manipuri pugilist controlled the high-stakes India-Pakistan contest after a competitive opening, keeping India’s medal hopes firmly alive in the category. The bout carried extra significance as it coincided with Kargil Vijay Diwas, the anniversary of India’s victory in the 1999 Kargil War.
Bout Breakdown
Rehman, who entered the contest after a bye in the opening round and held a clear height and reach advantage, attempted to dictate range with long punches and counters. Jadumani relied on superior speed, footwork, and sharp combinations to close the distance repeatedly.
The first round was closely fought, with both boxers exchanging combinations. Jadumani’s accuracy and composure edged the judges’ scorecards in a narrow decision. In the second round, he seized full control. He slipped Rehman’s attacks, landed crisp punches, and forced a standing eight-count (or knockdown) on the Pakistani boxer. Jadumani’s pressure and cleaner work swept the round across all five judges. He even showed a moment of showmanship near the end of the round as Indian supporters roared.
In the final round, Rehman pushed harder, but Jadumani’s defensive mastery, movement, and ring generalship prevented any meaningful comeback. All five judges scored the bout 5-0 in the Indian’s favour, confirming a dominant unanimous decision.
Dedication on Kargil Vijay Diwas
Speaking after the bout, Jadumani dedicated the victory to the heroes of the 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.
The win came on the same day the nation observed the 27th Kargil Vijay Diwas, adding emotional weight to the India-Pakistan clash inside the ring.
Path to Glasgow and Form
Jadumani, from Manipur, began his Commonwealth Games campaign with an equally emphatic 5-0 unanimous victory over home favourite Aaron Cullen of Scotland in the Round of 32 on Friday. The back-to-back dominant displays mark a strong start for the boxer who moved up from the 50kg division this season.
He had won silver in the 50kg category at the World Boxing Cup Finals in Noida last year before making the step up in weight. The extra strength and recovery after the weight adjustment have been evident in Glasgow, where he has looked sharp and unburdened.
What’s Next
Jadumani will face England’s Ellis Trowbridge in the quarterfinals on Tuesday. A victory would take him into the semi-finals and guarantee at least a bronze medal, as Commonwealth Games boxing awards medals to both losing semi-finalists.
The result formed part of a positive day for Indian boxing. Asian Games bronze medallist Preeti Pawar also advanced to the women’s 54kg quarterfinals with a second-round referee-stopped contest win. Lovlina Borgohain remains assured of at least bronze after receiving a bye into the semi-finals in her category.
Jadumani’s clinical handling of the pressure of an India-Pakistan bout, combined with his post-fight tribute, has given the Indian contingent and fans a memorable moment early in the Glasgow Games. All eyes now turn to his quarterfinal challenge as he continues his pursuit of a Commonwealth Games medal.
