India’s boxing program received a major push ahead of the 2026 multi-sport season, with four rising stars earning promotion to the prestigious Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) Core group. The decision was finalised during the 172nd Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) meeting on Wednesday, following strong performances at the Asian Boxing Elite Championships.
Preeti Pawar (54kg), Priya (60kg), and Arundhati Chaudhary (70kg) clinched gold medals at the continental event held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia earlier this month. Meanwhile, Sachin (60kg) secured a silver, completing an impressive showing for the quartet.
The MOC’s decision was based on a detailed evaluation of recent results, global rankings, and the athletes’ performance trajectories. Their inclusion in the Core group ensures enhanced financial assistance, international exposure, and elite training support as they prepare for major upcoming competitions.
Preeti Pawar is set to headline India’s campaign at both the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the Asian Games in Japan later this year. She will be joined by fellow qualifiers including Jaismine (57kg), Priya, Arundhati, and Sachin. Notably, Preeti, Priya, and Sachin have also secured direct qualification for the Asian Games, as per the selection policy of the Boxing Federation of India.
Boxing remains one of India’s strongest medal prospects at the Commonwealth Games 2026, particularly in a year where several traditionally dominant sports — such as shooting, wrestling, and badminton — feature less prominently.
In addition to the Core group promotions, three more boxers — Aditya (65kg), Deepak (70kg), and Harsh (90kg) — have been inducted into the TOPS Development group. This category acts as a pipeline for future elite athletes, offering structured guidance and performance monitoring.
Additionally, Narender (+90kg) has been included in the Target Asian Games Group (TAGG), where he will receive focused support through the 2026 Asian Games cycle. Narender and Harsh both earned bronze medals at the Asian Championships, while Aditya and Deepak reached the quarterfinal stage.
India finished with a strong tally of 16 medals at the Ulaanbaatar meet, including five gold, three silver, and eight bronze medals.
With these updates, the TOPS Core group now includes seven boxers, while the Development group has expanded to 25 athletes. As preparations intensify, India’s boxing contingent appears well-positioned to make a significant impact on the international stage in the months ahead.
