Kohli’s crucial support for Chaudhary
Bhiwani boxer Sakshi Chaudhary has expressed her gratitude to former India cricket captain Virat Kohli for his significant support throughout her journey, which culminated in her winning a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games. Chaudhary, who secured the gold in the 51kg category, highlighted Kohli’s role as her sponsor, acknowledging his contribution to her success.
Chaudhary revealed that Kohli’s foundation provided crucial backing during a formative period of her athletic career. This sponsorship, which spanned three years, funded her training and competition expenses when financial resources were limited. This timely intervention was particularly vital as she navigated career hurdles, including serious shoulder and leg injuries that had previously sidelined her from major competitions.
The boxer, who serves as a Havildar in the Indian Army and trains at the Army Sports Institute in Pune, noted that while Olympic bronze medallist Vijender Singh inspired her to take up boxing, Kohli’s sponsorship was instrumental in keeping her career on track. She shared that Kohli also offered advice on managing pressure and maintaining focus, going beyond just financial assistance.
Comeback and Commonwealth Games triumph
Chaudhary’s victory at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow marked a significant comeback from a serious shoulder injury that had nearly derailed her career. She demonstrated resilience and skill by dropping a weight category and defeating several established boxers, including former world champion Nikhat Zareen and Minakshi Hooda, to secure her place in the CWG squad.
In Glasgow, Chaudhary made a tactical decision to move from the 54kg category to the 51kg flyweight class. This strategic move proved successful, as she advanced to the final and dominated England’s Ruby White with a unanimous 5-0 decision to claim her first Commonwealth Games gold medal. The moment the national anthem was played during the medal ceremony was described by Chaudhary as a dream come true, filling her with immense pride for her country.
Chaudhary’s gold medal was a key part of India’s impressive boxing performance at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games. The Indian boxing contingent achieved a historic total of 10 medals, including a record seven gold medals, topping the boxing leaderboard. Other gold medallists included Jaismine Lamboria, Preeti Pawar, Priya Ghanghas, Arundhati Choudhary, Sachin Siwach, and Ankush Panghal.
Impact of Kohli’s foundation
The Virat Kohli Foundation (VKF) has a documented history of identifying and supporting Indian athletes in various sports beyond cricket. The foundation’s support for Chaudhary for three years during her transition from youth success to senior ranks highlights its commitment to nurturing non-cricket talent. This backing was crucial in enabling her to overcome significant challenges, including injuries that prevented her from participating in the 2022 Commonwealth Games and the 2023 Asian Games.
Chaudhary and her father, Manoj, have both credited Kohli for his support during a period when the boxer faced financial difficulties. She also acknowledged Kohli’s grit, work ethic, and discipline as sources of inspiration. Kohli’s continued involvement in supporting Indian sports, through various charities, has been noted as a significant factor in elevating the country’s sporting scene.
The success of athletes like Chaudhary, bolstered by such support, underscores the potential for high-profile figures to invest in and inspire future generations of athletes across different disciplines. With her Glasgow triumph, Chaudhary is now focusing on the upcoming Asian Games, where she aims to replicate her golden performance on the continental stage.
Chaudhary’s victory over Ruby White in the 51kg final contributed to India’s medal tally in boxing at the CWG 2026.
Source: m.rediff.com
