Indian boxing team faces luggage crisis ahead of Commonwealth Games debut
Several members of India's 22-strong boxing squad are without essential training gear and ceremonial outfits after their luggage failed to arrive in Glasgow, just days before competition begins at the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Indian boxing team faces luggage crisis ahead of Commonwealth Games debut
India's boxing contingent has arrived in Glasgow for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, but logistical problems have left several athletes without their luggage containing vital training equipment and opening ceremony attire.
The 22-member squad reached Scotland's largest city on Tuesday following a preparatory camp in Belfast, only to discover that baggage belonging to multiple boxers had not made the journey. Among those affected are Sakshi Chaudhary (51kg), world champion Jaismine Lamboria (57kg), Parveen Hooda (65kg), Jadumani Singh (55kg) and Kapil Pokhariya (90kg), as well as men's head coach C. Kuttappa.
Lamboria, who claimed gold at the 2025 World Boxing Championships in Liverpool by defeating Poland's Julia Szeremeta 4-1 in the 57kg final to become India's ninth world champion boxer, is among the team's leading medal prospects.
Each team member had packed two bags for the trip, but the delivery has been patchy. Some athletes received one piece of luggage while others are still waiting for both bags to surface.
"Each of us was carrying two bags. Some have received one bag, while others are still waiting for both. We are going out to buy things we need for training," a boxer told The Bridge from Glasgow.
Team members attributed the problem to the small aircraft operating the short Belfast-Glasgow route. They noted similar baggage issues had occurred during their earlier journey from Doha to Belfast this month.
Compounding the team's difficulties, the women's coach has reportedly not been assigned accommodation at the same hotel as the boxers, raising additional logistical concerns.
Critical timing as competition approaches
The disruption comes at a critical time for India's boxing campaign. The opening ceremony of the Games takes place on Thursday, 23 July, with boxing competition starting the following day at the SEC Centre and continuing until 1 August.
India's Commonwealth Games boxing heritage
India arrives in Glasgow with a strong Commonwealth Games boxing pedigree, having accumulated 44 medals (11 gold, 13 silver, 20 bronze) across the event's history, ranking ninth among competing nations. The team's most successful campaign came at Gold Coast 2018 with nine medals, while at Birmingham 2022, India secured seven medals including three golds through Nikhat Zareen, Nitu Ghanghas and Amit Panghal.
Historic milestone for gender parity
This edition of the Commonwealth Games holds particular significance for boxing. Glasgow 2026 will be the first Commonwealth Games to feature gender parity in weight classes, with seven categories each for men and women. The milestone builds on Glasgow's 2014 hosting, when women's boxing made its Commonwealth Games debut with three weight categories.
The 2026 Games will see approximately 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories competing across 10 sports. The scaled-down format follows Glasgow's decision to step in as host after Victoria, Australia withdrew in July 2023. Boxing, which has featured at every Commonwealth Games since the inaugural 1930 edition, makes its 23rd appearance at the event.
With competition beginning imminently, the Indian team faces a race against time to secure replacement equipment and resolve accommodation issues before stepping into the ring.
