Boxer Preeti one win away from Commonwealth gold

Lusaka, Zambia – Zambian boxing sensation Catherine Mwape has etched her name into the nation's sporting history books, securing a bronze medal at the ongoing Commonwealth Games. Mwape's journey culminated in a hard-fought semi-final bout against India's formidable Preeti Pawar in the women's 54kg category, where she ultimately fell to a 5-0 unanimous decision. Despite the loss, her podium finish represents a landmark achievement, making her the first female Zambian boxer to ever win a medal at either the Commonwealth or Olympic Games. The semi-final clash, held in Glasgow, saw Mwape face a highly-rated opponent in Pawar, an Asian Games bronze-medallist who went on to claim the Commonwealth gold. From the outset, Pawar dictated the pace with sharp combinations and intelligent movement, forcing a standing count on Mwape in the opening round and securing it 5-0. Mwape, demonstrating immense courage and resilience, attempted to turn the tide in the subsequent rounds, but Pawar's precise counter-punching and ring craft proved too strong, leading to the unanimous decision by the judges. Mwape's bronze medal is not an isolated success for Team Zambia at the Games. She is part of a four-strong boxing team that has shown promising performances. Fellow Zambian boxer Emmanuel Katema also secured a bronze medal in the men's 65kg semifinals, further highlighting the talent within the national boxing contingent. Other Zambian boxers, such as Albert Ngulube and Mwengo Mwale, also competed, with Ngulube securing a 5-0 unanimous decision victory in his men's 60kg round-of-16 bout. This historic bronze medal for Catherine Mwape underscores the growing potential of female athletes in Zambia and serves as a powerful inspiration for aspiring boxers across the country. Her dedication and performance on the international stage have brought significant pride to the nation, demonstrating that Zambian talent can compete and succeed at the highest levels of global sport. The achievement i