From World Champion to Commonwealth Gold: Boxer Jaismine Lamboria's Quest

Jaismine Lamboria, the reigning world champion in the 57kg boxing category, is aiming to add a Commonwealth Games gold to her achievements. The 24-year-old Indian pugilist, who won bronze at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, is competing in Glasgow with the goal of upgrading her medal.

Lamboria, who stands at 5 feet 8.5 inches, draws inspiration from former Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni for his calm demeanour under pressure. She admires his ability to remain composed in high-stakes situations, a trait she seeks to emulate in her own bouts.

Her journey to the top has been marked by resilience. After a first-round exit at the Paris Olympics, where she lost to Tokyo silver medallist Nesthy Petecio of the Philippines, Lamboria returned to her preferred weight class of 57kg. She had spent nearly three years boxing in the 60kg category before dropping down during the Paris qualification campaign. This strategic move paid off when she defeated Paris Olympic silver medallist Julia Atena Szeremeta of Poland to claim the world title in Liverpool.

Lamboria's 2025 season was exceptional, with gold medals at the World Cup in Astana and Delhi, culminating in her world championship victory. Now, at the Commonwealth Games, she is one of India's strongest contenders for gold in boxing.

Her ambition is simple: 'I aim to change the colour of that medal to gold. That's what I've been training and preparing towards,' she says.

As she steps into the ring in Glasgow, Lamboria carries the hopes of a nation, but her focus remains on the task at hand. With a blend of technical skill and mental fortitude, she is poised to make a significant impact.