Perfect start! Boxers Preeti Pawar, Ankush Panghal storm into CWG finals

Ankush Panghal and Preeti Pawar (PTI Photos)NEW DELHI: India's boxing contingent made a dream start to a crucial semifinal day at the Commonwealth Games 2026, with Preeti Pawar and Ankush Panghal storming into their respective finals through commanding victories to keep the country's gold medal hopes alive in Glasgow on Friday.With the two emphatic wins, India has opened the day with a perfect 2-0 record in the boxing semifinals, while eight more Indian boxers are still scheduled to fight for places in their respective gold medal bouts.The victories also ensured at least two more silver medals for India, with both pugilists now one step away from Commonwealth Games gold.Ankush dominates Canadian rival to reach men's 80kg finalAnkush Panghal produced one of his finest performances of the tournament to outclass Canada's Joshua Ofori by unanimous decision in the men's 80kg semifinal.Having entered the last four after defeating Seychelles' Jade Micock, the Indian boxer wasted no time asserting his authority. He dictated the opening round with sharp combinations, superior footwork and accurate punching to earn a clean 5-0 verdict from all five judges.Ofori attempted to raise the intensity in the second round, but Ankush remained firmly in control. His crisp counter-attacks repeatedly found the target, while the Canadian's frustrations boiled over, resulting in a point deduction for a blow to the back of the head. Ankush comfortably claimed another unanimous round to move within touching distance of the final.The Canadian mounted one last charge in the third round, but Ankush stayed composed under pressure, mixing solid defence with timely scoring punches to seal another convincing verdict and book his place in the gold medal bout.The victory guarantees India at least a silver medal in the category.Preeti continues dominant march, dedicates medal to IndiaEarlier in the day, Preeti Pawar had set the tone for India's campaign by cruising into the women's 54kg final with a one-sided victory over Zambia's Catherine Mwape.The southpaw dominated from the opening bell, forcing a standing count in the first round before sweeping it 5-0, with three judges awarding 10-8 scores.Preeti tightened her grip in the second round, once again forcing a standing count as she completely outboxed the Zambian. Although Mwape came forward aggressively in the final round, the Indian remained calm, landing clean left-right combinations and body shots to complete another unanimous decision victory.Speaking after the bout, Preeti dedicated her assured medal to the people of India."There's no pressure, but of course, it's the final, so I'll have to prepare more for it. I'll make my game plan according to that and give my best," she said.She also thanked fans across the country for their support."This medal is for everyone because the whole of India has high hopes for me and everyone's prayers and blessings are with me. Everyone has supported me, and this medal is for everyone," she added.Preeti will now face Canada's Scarlett Delgado in Saturday's gold medal contest as she bids to add a Commonwealth Games title to the World Cup and Asian Championships crowns she claimed earlier this year.