Newly crowned Commonwealth Games boxing champion Sakshi Chaudhary has credited former India captain Virat Kohli for playing a crucial role in her rise, revealing that his foundation supported her during a defining phase of her career. Speaking after returning from Glasgow, the 25-year-old expressed gratitude for the backing she received from Kohli when she was establishing herself at the senior level.
Chaudhary, a Havildar in the Indian Army who trains at the Army Sports Institute in Pune, said Olympic bronze medallist Vijender Singh inspired her to take up boxing, while Kohli's support helped her continue pursuing the sport.
"I started boxing after watching Vijender Singh, but Virat Kohli has also supported me immensely during my journey. He was my sponsor, and I want to thank him as well," Chaudhary told IANS.
She also revealed that Kohli's contribution extended beyond financial assistance, as he shared advice on dealing with pressure and maintaining focus.
The Virat Kohli Foundation has been recognised for supporting talented Indian athletes from disciplines beyond cricket. During a crucial three-year period, when Chaudhary was making the transition from youth competitions to the senior circuit, the foundation funded her training and competition expenses at a time when financial resources were limited.
The support proved invaluable as she battled serious shoulder and leg injuries that ruled her out of both the 2022 Commonwealth Games and the 2023 Asian Games.
To secure her place in the Commonwealth Games squad in the 51kg flyweight category, Chaudhary defeated former world champions Nikhat Zareen and Minakshi Hooda during the selection process.
Ahead of the Glasgow Games, the two-time youth world champion decided to move down from the 54kg division to compete in the 51kg flyweight category. The decision paid off as she displayed excellent movement and tactical discipline throughout the tournament before defeating England's Ruby White by unanimous 5-0 decision in the final to win her maiden Commonwealth Games gold medal.
Historic campaign for Indian boxing
Chaudhary's title was one of the highlights of India's outstanding boxing campaign in Glasgow. The Indian contingent finished at the top of the boxing medals table with a record haul of 10 medals, including an unprecedented seven gold medals.
Jaismine Lamboria, Preeti Pawar, Priya Ghanghas, Arundhati Choudhary, Sachin Siwach and Ankush Panghal also claimed gold medals for India.
Having overcome the injury setbacks that interrupted her career, Chaudhary will now turn her attention to the upcoming Asian Games, where she hopes to build on her Commonwealth Games success with another strong performance.
