Aichi-Nagoya, 29 September (H.S.): Indian boxer Ankush Panghal has advanced to the final of the men’s 80kg category at the Asian Games 2026. In Tuesday’s semi-final, Ankush defeated Uzbekistan’s reigning world champion Fazliddin Erkinboev by a 4-1 split decision to book his place in the gold-medal bout.

The 20-year-old Ankush displayed a high tempo and aggressive strategy from the outset. He effectively countered Erkinboev’s strong defensive style throughout the contest. All five judges awarded Ankush 10 points and Erkinboev 9 points, resulting in a 4-1 decision in favour of the Indian boxer.

With this victory, Ankush has continued his impressive campaign at the tournament. Earlier, on September 27, he defeated Tajikistan’s Nekruz Salimov by a unanimous 5-0 decision in the quarter-final to secure a medal.

Ankush has reached the Asian Games final in excellent form. He also won the gold medal at the Commonwealth Games held in Glasgow in August 2026.

First Indian Male Boxer to Reach Asian Games Final Since 2018

Ankush’s achievement has also created a significant milestone for Indian men’s boxing. He is the first Indian male boxer since Amit Panghal, who reached the 49kg final in 2018, to advance to an Asian Games gold-medal bout.

Ankush will now bid to complete his campaign by winning the gold medal at the Asian Games.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar