Indian boxers have made merry in the ongoing Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow with as many as 10 pugilists in the finals on the cusp of a gold medal. One thing has been noticeable is that several boxers have their first names repeated on broadcast with Ankush Panghal appearing as 'Ankush Ankush' with the same case for Jaismine Lamboria and Preeti Pawar.

Indian boxers could win as many as 10 gold medals on Saturday in the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow. One common theme among the boxers has been the way their names have been displayed in official records. While the likes of Lovlina Borgohain and Jadumani Singh Mandengbam have their full names, several athletes like Ankush Panghal and Jaismine Lamboria have their names displayed as 'Ankush Ankush' and 'Jaismine Jaismine'.

Similar cases have surfaced at previous international events, especially in wrestling and boxing. Here at Free Press Journal, we try to explain why it happens.

Why does this happen?

The issue is likely because of how athlete names are submitted for accreditation and competition entries. Official records refer to passport and use the name as it is mentioned on the document. Many Indian athletes do not use a family name (last name/surname) or have only one official name in their passport and government documents.