After securing gold in the men's 60kg category at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, Indian boxer Sachin Siwach is building on mentorship from Amit Panghal as he targets success at the Asian Games.
Indian boxer Sachin Siwach claimed the gold medal in the men's 60kg final at the 23rd Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, delivering India's first gold in men's boxing at the event. Siwach navigated a difficult draw, defeating Canada's Keoma-Ali Al-Ahmedieh alongside boxers from England, Botswana, and Wales, before facing Namibian champion Tryagain Morning Ndevelo in the final. Trailing and deducted a point entering the last round, Siwach knocked down Ndevelo in the final seconds to secure a 3-2 split decision victory.
The Commonwealth title follows five years of setbacks for the boxer from Mitathal village in Haryana, who became the village's second World Youth champion in 2021. Despite winning medals at the Asian Championships and World Boxing Cup stages, Siwach previously faced injuries, tough luck, and questionable verdicts at major events, including a quarterfinal exit without a medal at the last Asian Games as well as missed opportunities at the World Championships and Olympic qualifiers.
Siwach credits much of his development to former World No. 1 Amit Panghal, who served as his roommate and training partner from 2023 to 2025. Siwach explained that Panghal guided him on diet, rest, rectifying mistakes, blocking punches, and leg movement. 'Amit bhai was World No.1 and has won big medals. I learned everything from him,' Siwach said.
Looking ahead, Siwach plans to celebrate with his family before shifting focus to the upcoming Asian Games, where he aims to correct past mistakes. Meanwhile, Indian men's team head coach C.A. Kuttappa noted specific technical areas for Siwach to refine, stating he must avoid bending too much—which resulted in a penalty during the final—and learn to adapt and box from different ranges depending on the situation.
Reporting sourced from The Hindu Sport. Photo courtesy The Hindu Sport.