Priti Pawar’s reaction after her quarter-final win. | Image source: PTI
Indian boxer Preeti Pawar defeated Northern Ireland’s Nicole Clyde 5-0 in the women’s 54kg quarter-final at the Commonwealth Games held at the Scottish Campus here on Tuesday.
The 22-year-old, from the boxing hotbed of Bhiwani in Haryana, has assured the country of at least a bronze medal.
Pretty was dominant from the start, attacking relentlessly with sharp back and forth moves that kept Clyde at bay. She combined crisp right and left jabs to rack up valuable points in the opening round, which she won by unanimous decision. Four judges scored it 10-9 in favor of Preity, while one gave her a 10-8 verdict.
She continued her blitz in the second round, moving fluidly around the ring and landing accurate punches and uppercuts to sweep the round again 5-0.
If Pretty’s attack was impressive, her defense was equally effective. Whenever Clyde tried to close the gap, Brittie was quick to evade or block her opponent’s punches.
Clyde fought hard but the Indian remained one step ahead throughout, easily reaching the third round to complete a comprehensive victory.
“I would like to thank all Indians for their blessings and prayers. There have been many challenges in my life and now I am able to understand my game better. I gave my 100% today and I will give 100% in the next match as well,” said an elated Preeti.
She added that her training camp in Belfast, where she sparred with Clyde before the Games, also helped her prepare for the competition.
Later, Priya Gangas secured another medal by defeating Scotland’s Niamh Mitchell 4-1 on points in the women’s 60kg quarter-final match.
Parveen Hooda lost her women’s 65kg quarter-final to England’s Sasha Hickey 3-2 in a split decision.
Published – 29 July 2026 at 12:28 AM IST
