WATCH: Boxer requires medical help after being knocked out at Commonwealth Games 2026
The 23rd Commonwealth Games has seen a couple of medical incidents
The ongoing Commonwealth Games 2026 saw a massive scare after Lesotho boxer Refiloe Thai needed immediate medical attention after being brutally knocked out during the men’s 70 kg quarter-final on July 29.
Thai faced Wales’ Orlando Holley-Sotomi on Wednesday and attempted to assert his dominance early in the contest. However, the Welsh fighter settled into the fight and began landing clean punches on his opponent.
Related: Commonwealth Games 2026: Updated medal tally after Day 7, July 30
The fight was stopped 68 seconds into the opening round. Holley-Sotomi, also known as “The General”, landed a powerful right hand straight to Thai’s temple. With the 21-year-old Lesotho fighter unbalanced, Holley-Sotomi landed another punch, sending his opponent crashing through the ropes.
Thai lay motionless, partially suspended by the bottom rope. This led to immediate concern from the onlookers, with Holley-Sotomi standing over to check on his opponent.
Related: Commonwealth Games 2026: India’s updated schedule for Day 8 (July 31)
Medical staff rushed to the ring within seconds to assess Thai, who was moved back inside the ropes for treatment. Thankfully, the injured pugilist was able to move and even attempted to sit up, relieving tension from the crowd.
The referee, meanwhile, awarded Holley-Sotomi a first-round technical knockout victory.
Second major medical incident at CWG 2026
This is the second major medical incident to hit the Commonwealth Games 2026. Earlier on July 25, England gymnast Gabriel Langton suffered an accident during the men’s team competition in Glasgow.
Related: Commonwealth Games 2026 (CWG) Day 8 Live Updates
The 19-year-old gymnast missed his catch on the high beam, falling headfirst to the floor. He was tended to by the medical staff, with the competition being momentarily halted. Langton was rushed to the hospital and was eventually cleared of any medical danger.
Where and when will Commonwealth Games 2026 take place?
The Commonwealth Games 2026 will be held in Glasgow, Scotland, from July 23 to August 2.
What happened to Refiloe Thai at CWG 2026?
Lesotho’s Refiloe Thai was brutally knocked out in the men’s 70kg quarter‑final against Wales’ Orlando Holley‑Sotomi, collapsing through the ropes just 68 seconds into the opening round.
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Sushruta has spent over two years covering football, with a particular focus on Indian and international competitions. Alongside football, he has reported on a variety of sports, bringing curiosity and perspective to every story. When he’s not following the action, he can usually be found binge-watching movies or getting lost in a good book.