Indian boxer Sakshi Chaudhary returned from the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games with a gold medal and a message of gratitude for Virat Kohli, revealing that the former India cricket captain had supported her during an important phase of her career. The Haryana boxer defeated England’s Ruby White by a unanimous 5-0 decision in the women’s 51kg flyweight final on August 1, completing a comeback that had been several years in the making.

For Sakshi, the victory was significant not only because it was her first Commonwealth Games medal, but also because she had missed both the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and the 2023 Asian Games. Speaking after returning to India, Sakshi acknowledged Kohli’s role in helping her stay focused during those difficult years.

Sakshi Chaudhary and Virat Kohli: A Long-Standing Connection

The association between Sakshi Chaudhary and Virat Kohli did not begin after her Glasgow victory. Sakshi had already been part of an athlete-support initiative linked to the Virat Kohli Foundation several years earlier. The Bridge reported in 2020 that she had joined the foundation’s athlete-support programme in 2019, when she was already regarded as one of India’s promising young boxers. After winning in Glasgow, Sakshi told IANS that Kohli had supported her and described him as her sponsor.

She also indicated that the help went beyond financial assistance. According to Indian Express, Kohli encouraged her to remain calm, avoid putting excessive pressure on herself and focus on performing inside the ring. That makes the latest acknowledgment more than a passing post-medal thank-you. It reflects a relationship that existed well before the Commonwealth Games spotlight returned to her.

How Sakshi Won Gold in Glasgow

The Haryana boxer Sakshi Chaudhary entered the Commonwealth Games after moving down to the 51kg weight category. In the final, she faced England’s Ruby White and controlled the bout with her reach, movement and accurate punches. The judges awarded Sakshi a unanimous 5-0 decision, confirming her as the women’s 51kg champion.

The Sakshi Chaudhary gold medal was especially important because Glasgow marked her first appearance at the Commonwealth Games. She had not competed at Birmingham 2022 and also missed the 2023 Asian Games. That made her return to a major multi-sport event an important test of whether she could translate her earlier promise into senior-level success.

Glasgow provided the answer.

Why Sakshi Moved Down to 51kg

Before the Commonwealth Games, Sakshi switched from the 54kg category to 51kg. She later said she had to lose around three to four kilograms to make the new weight, which required a strict diet and careful preparation. Changing weight categories can also affect strength, speed and recovery, so the move added another challenge to her Glasgow campaign.

The decision ultimately paid off. The Sakshi Chaudhary gold medal came after she successfully managed the weight cut, earned her place in the Indian squad and then defeated every opponent placed in front of her. After returning home, she joked that she could finally eat properly again after weeks of controlled preparation.

Virat Kohli Foundation Supported Her Earlier

The Virat Kohli Foundation had supported Sakshi years before her latest success. Reports from 2019 and 2020 identified her as one of the athletes backed through Kohli’s sports-support initiatives. Kohli had also publicly congratulated her when she secured a place in India’s Olympic qualification process. That earlier record confirms that her connection with Kohli is not a recent association created after she became Commonwealth Games champion. Her Glasgow comments instead brought an existing relationship back into the spotlight.

For Kohli, whose sporting work extends beyond cricket, Sakshi’s victory offers an example of how supporting promising athletes over several years can contribute to their development.

From Bhiwani to Commonwealth Games Champion

The Haryana boxer Sakshi Chaudhary comes from Bhiwani and has previously spoken about being inspired by Olympic medallist Vijender Singh. She has also represented the Indian Army during her boxing career. Her achievements now include major youth titles, World Boxing Cup gold and a Commonwealth Games championship.

But Glasgow may stand out because of the setbacks that came before it. Sakshi had to deal with missed tournaments, competition for national selection and a change in weight category before finally reaching the Commonwealth Games podium. That makes her victory less about one successful final and more about years of persistence.

What Comes Next for Sakshi Chaudhary

The Glasgow gold puts Sakshi Chaudhary firmly back among India’s leading women boxers. Her next challenge will be maintaining that form against stronger international fields and continuing her progress towards future world-level and Olympic competitions. For now, the verified story is strong enough on its own. Sakshi won Commonwealth Games gold, returned from a difficult period in her career and publicly thanked Virat Kohli for supporting her along the way. The backing may have helped create the environment around her career, but the medal itself was earned inside the ring.