'He was my sponsor': Virat Kohli backed Sakshi Chaudhary when her boxing journey hit a difficult phase. Years later, she repaid his faith with Commonwealth Games gold

For boxer Sakshi Chaudhary, her Commonwealth Games gold medal was not just the result of punches thrown inside the ring. Behind her breakthrough moment was a difficult journey involving injuries, a change in weight category and support from an unexpected sporting icon, Virat Kohli.

After winning gold at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Sakshi opened up about Kohli's role in her career. The Haryana boxer revealed that the Virat Kohli Foundation supported her during an important phase of her journey and said the former India captain's backing gave her both financial and motivational support.