-India Concludes Boxing Campaign with Six Medals, Including Three Golds and Three Bronzes

Aichi-Nagoya, 02 October (H.S.):

India’s Ankush Panghal won the gold medal in the men’s 80kg boxing category at the 2026 Asian Games, defeating South Korea’s Kim Minseong by a 4-0 decision in the final. With the victory, India concluded its boxing campaign at the Games with six medals — three golds and three bronzes.

Panghal adopted an aggressive approach from the opening bell and immediately looked to take the initiative. He applied pressure with sharp right hooks and uppercuts, while Kim attempted to maintain distance and rely on counter-attacks. However, Panghal’s consistent combinations kept the South Korean boxer under pressure, with the Indian taking the opening round 4-1 on the judges’ scorecards.

In the second round, Panghal continued to dictate the pace with quick one-two combinations and effective counter-punching. Both boxers landed body shots, but Panghal’s speed, movement and aggression enabled him to maintain control. He won the round unanimously, 5-0.

Kim attempted to mount a comeback in the final round and landed several clean punches, but Panghal remained composed and protected his advantage. The Indian won the final round 4-1, securing a 4-0 verdict overall and the men’s 80kg Asian Games title.

Panghal’s triumph made him the first Indian male boxer to win an Asian Games gold medal since Amit Panghal achieved the feat in 2018. The victory also extended India’s run of success in men’s boxing at the continental event.

With Ankush Panghal’s victory, India finished its boxing campaign at the 2026 Asian Games with three gold and three bronze medals. The three gold medals came from Panghal, Lovlina Borgohain and Parveen Hooda, while Priya Ghanghas, Kapil Pokhariya and Narender Berwal secured bronze medals.

India had won four boxing medals at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, including one silver and three bronze medals. The 2026 campaign therefore marked a substantial increase in the country’s gold-medal tally in the sport.

As of October 2, India had won 75 medals at the 2026 Asian Games, comprising 15 gold, 25 silver and 35 bronze medals, placing the country fifth in the overall medal standings.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar