For boxer Sakshi Chaudhary, winning gold in the women’s 51kg (Flyweight) event at the 2026 Commonwealth Games marked the reward for years of perseverance. The Haryana boxer, who also served in the Indian Army, made a successful return to international competition after missing both the 2022 Commonwealth Games and the 2023 Asian Games, producing an impressive performance in Glasgow to stand on top of the podium.
Behind her journey was support from several quarters, including former India captain Virat Kohli. Sakshi revealed that she received backing through the Virat Kohli Foundation during a crucial stage of her career. The support played an important role in helping her continue her pursuit of success, which ultimately culminated in a Commonwealth Games gold medal.
Commonwealth Games Gold Medalist Sakshi Chaudhary Credits Virat Kohli for His Support
India enjoyed a historic campaign in boxing at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, finishing with seven gold medals and three silvers to top the sport’s medal tally. The women’s team was particularly dominant, winning five of the six gold medals on offer. Among the standout performers was Haryana’s Sakshi Chaudhary, who claimed the women’s 51kg title with a commanding 5-0 unanimous victory over England’s Ruby White.Â
The road to Glasgow was anything but easy for Sakshi. The Bhiwani-born boxer had to move down a weight category and overcome several established opponents, including world champion Nikhat Zareen, just to earn her place in the Indian squad. After winning gold, the Indian Army Havildar credited former Olympic bronze medalist Vijender Singh for inspiring her boxing journey while also acknowledging the support she received from Virat Kohli.Â
Sakshi also highlighted the influence both sporting icons have had on her career, adding, “I started boxing after watching Vijender Singh, but in my journey, Virat Kohli has also supported me a lot. He has been my sponsor, so I would like to thank him too,” Chaudhary told news agency IANS. Kohli has backed several Indian athletes through the Virat Kohli Foundation since its launch in 2013, supporting emerging sportspersons across different disciplines.
How Virat Kohli Has Continued to Support India’s Rising Athletes
Sakshi Chaudhary is one of several athletes who have benefited from Virat Kohli’s support beyond cricket. Through the Virat Kohli Foundation and other charitable initiatives, the former India captain has backed emerging sportspersons across different disciplines over the years. While India’s boxers produced a record-breaking campaign with seven gold medals at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, Kohli’s contribution has come through providing opportunities and support to athletes striving to compete at the highest level.
For Sakshi, that backing came at a crucial stage after a serious shoulder injury threatened to derail her career. She battled her way back to the top, overcoming a difficult recovery and a challenging route to the national team before winning Commonwealth Games gold. Her success highlights the impact that sustained support, combined with an athlete’s determination, can have in helping talented sportspersons return to the biggest stage.
