Commonwealth Games 2026: All you need to know about Parveen Hooda

Parveen Hooda's boxing journey has been marked by perseverance, success and resilience.

The Haryana pugilist rose from humble beginnings to become an Asian champion and World Championships medallist before her career was interrupted by a lengthy suspension.

After missing the Paris Olympics, Parveen returned to international competition in style by winning gold at the World Boxing Cup Finals in 2025.

Now, she heads to the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow determined to add another major medal to her impressive resume.

Early days

Born on April 15, 2000, in Rurki village in Haryana's Rohtak district, Parveen grew up in a modest farming family where resources were limited.

She took up boxing in 2011 after village sarpanch Sudhir Hooda established a boxing and handball academy to steer local youngsters away from drugs and unemployment.

Initially underweight and lacking equipment, Parveen trained with determination despite her family's financial struggles, which at times made it difficult to afford even basic boxing gloves.

Her talent soon became evident as she progressed through the junior ranks before establishing herself among India's top women boxers. She now serves as an Assistant Sub-Inspector with the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).

Rising through the ranks

Parveen announced herself on the international stage by winning gold at the 2019 South Asian Games.

She continued to dominate domestically, claiming multiple national titles before enjoying a breakthrough year in 2022.

She won gold at the Asian Boxing Championships in Jordan to become the continental champion and followed it up with a bronze medal at the World Boxing Championships in Istanbul.

Her consistency also earned her a podium finish at the Asian Games, further cementing her reputation as one of India's leading boxers in the lightweight divisions.

A setback and a comeback

Parveen's career took an unexpected turn in 2024 when she received a 22-month suspension for three whereabouts failures under anti-doping regulations.

The sanction resulted in her Asian Games bronze medal being stripped and ruled her out of the Paris Olympics.

It was a difficult period that kept her away from competition and interrupted the momentum she had built over several years.

After returning in mid-2025, however, Parveen quickly reminded everyone of her quality. She captured the gold medal at the World Boxing Cup Finals by edging Japan's Ayaka Taguchi in a closely fought final, marking an impressive return to international boxing.

Eyes on Glasgow

The Commonwealth Games represent another major opportunity in Parveen's comeback journey.

Competing in the women's 65kg category, she enters Glasgow with the experience of winning medals at the World Championships, Asian Championships and World Boxing Cup.

Beginning her campaign from the quarter-finals, she is just one victory away from securing a place on the podium.