Indian boxing has once again given the country a reason to celebrate. Sakshi Chaudhary has achieved a major milestone by winning a gold medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, adding another memorable chapter to her growing boxing career. But after her historic achievement, Sakshi’s words of gratitude toward former Indian cricket star Virat Kohli have attracted widespread attention.
Sakshi revealed that Kohli played an important role in her journey by supporting her financially as a sponsor. Her statement highlights an inspiring connection between two different sporting worlds — cricket and boxing.
Sakshi Chaudhary’s Emotional Thanks to Virat Kohli
After winning Commonwealth Games gold, Sakshi Chaudhary spoke about the people who influenced and supported her career. While she credited legendary Indian boxer Vijender Singh as one of the major inspirations for taking up boxing, she also specifically thanked Virat Kohli for supporting her journey.
According to Sakshi, she started boxing after watching Vijender Singh, but Kohli also provided significant support during her career. She described Kohli as her sponsor and acknowledged his contribution to helping her continue her sporting journey.
The revelation has received considerable attention because Kohli is primarily known for his achievements in cricket, while Sakshi represents India in boxing. Her success demonstrates how support from athletes outside a particular sport can make a meaningful difference in the lives of emerging players.
From Inspiration to Commonwealth Games Champion
Sakshi Chaudhary’s journey to the Commonwealth Games was not easy. The boxer has been competing at the national and international levels for several years and has built an impressive record.
Before reaching the 2026 Commonwealth Games, Sakshi had already established herself as a talented Indian boxer. She had won world-level titles during her youth career and later continued to perform strongly in senior competitions.
In 2025, she won gold at the World Boxing Cup in Astana in the 54kg category. In 2026, she moved into the 51kg category for India’s Commonwealth Games selection trials. She defeated strong opposition to secure her place in the Indian team.
Her selection itself was a major achievement because she had to overcome high-quality competition. Sakshi defeated two-time world champion Nikhat Zareen in the semifinal of the national trials and subsequently defeated world and Asian champion Meenakshi Hooda in the final to secure India’s 51kg berth.
Virat Kohli’s Support for Sakshi
Virat Kohli’s association with Sakshi Chaudhary is not new. His support for the boxer dates back several years.
The Virat Kohli Foundation has supported sporting talent from different disciplines, and Sakshi was among the athletes associated with the initiative. In 2019, Kohli publicly congratulated Sakshi after she secured a place in the Olympic qualifiers.
Over the years, this support has helped Sakshi continue her training and competitive career. In a sport like boxing, athletes require significant financial resources for coaching, equipment, travel, nutrition, recovery and participation in international competitions.
Sakshi’s recent comments show that the support was not merely symbolic. She considers Kohli’s contribution an important part of her journey.
A Connection Between Cricket and Boxing
India has traditionally received enormous attention for cricket, while athletes from sports such as boxing often have to work much harder for recognition and financial support.
Virat Kohli’s involvement in supporting athletes from other sports is therefore significant. As one of India’s most recognizable sporting personalities, his support can provide young athletes with both financial assistance and encouragement.
Sakshi’s story is a good example of how India’s sporting ecosystem can become stronger when successful athletes and organizations support emerging talent across different disciplines.
Kohli’s influence extends far beyond his performances on a cricket field. By supporting athletes such as Sakshi, he has contributed to the development of sporting talent in disciplines outside cricket.
Sakshi’s Role Models
Sakshi has previously spoken about being inspired by Vijender Singh. Watching Vijender’s success helped motivate her to take up boxing and pursue the sport seriously.
Her journey also shows the importance of having multiple sources of inspiration and support.
Vijender Singh inspired her to enter boxing, while Virat Kohli’s support helped her continue her professional journey. Together, these influences formed part of the larger story behind her Commonwealth Games success.
Her achievement also puts her alongside a growing group of Indian women boxers who have brought international recognition to the country.
A Gold Medal With a Bigger Message
Sakshi Chaudhary’s Commonwealth Games gold medal is more than just another medal for India’s sporting record. It represents years of training, sacrifice, discipline and determination.
Her story also sends an important message to young athletes. Talent is essential, but athletes also need proper guidance, financial support, coaching and opportunities to compete at the highest level.
Sakshi’s acknowledgment of Virat Kohli highlights how financial and personal encouragement can help athletes overcome some of the challenges associated with professional sport.
Her achievement may also encourage more prominent Indian athletes, companies and organizations to invest in sports beyond cricket.
Conclusion
Sakshi Chaudhary’s Commonwealth Games gold medal is a proud moment for Indian boxing. Her journey from being inspired by Vijender Singh to becoming a Commonwealth Games champion shows the power of dedication and perseverance.
At the same time, her public appreciation for Virat Kohli has revealed another important part of her story. Kohli’s sponsorship and support have been part of Sakshi’s journey for years, and she has now publicly recognized that contribution after reaching the biggest stages of her career.
Her success is ultimately a victory for Indian boxing and a reminder that support across different sports can help create champions.
Sakshi Chaudhary’s gold medal is therefore not just a sporting achievement — it is also a story of inspiration, support, hard work and the belief that talented athletes deserve the opportunity to chase their dreams.
