Asian Games: Ankush Panghal, Parveen Hooda assure India of two boxing medals

Ankush Panghal and Parveen Hooda (IANS/PTI Photos)

NEW DELHI: India’s boxing campaign at the Asian Games 2026 received a major boost on Sunday as Ankush Panghal and Parveen Hooda stormed into the semifinals of their respective weight categories, assuring the country of two medals.Ankush became the first Indian boxer to secure a medal at the ongoing Games in Aichi-Nagoya after producing a dominant 5-0 unanimous decision victory over Tajikistan’s Nekruz Salimov in the men’s 80kg quarterfinal. Parveen followed with an equally emphatic 5-0 win over Uzbekistan’s world championships silver medallist Navbakhor Khamidova in the women’s 65kg quarterfinal.The two semifinal berths guarantee India at least two bronze medals, with both boxers now one victory away from advancing to their respective gold-medal bouts.

Ankush dominates on Asian Games debut

Ankush, who won Commonwealth Games gold last month in Glasgow, looked in complete control throughout his quarterfinal against Salimov.Making his Asian Games debut, the Haryana boxer immediately established his authority, landing clean punches to keep the Tajikistan opponent on the back foot. A straight left and a well-timed right hook were among Ankush’s effective combinations as he dictated the exchanges from the opening bell.

All five judges awarded him the opening round.Asian Games Full Coverage | Medal Tally | ScheduleSalimov attempted to change the momentum in the second round by closing the distance and looking for opportunities on the counter. Ankush, however, responded quickly and maintained his control, continuing to land a steady stream of punches while avoiding unnecessary exchanges.Once again, all five judges scored the round in his favour.With a comfortable advantage heading into the final round, Ankush showed composure rather than taking unnecessary risks.

Salimov tried to increase the tempo and managed to land a few punches, but the Indian had already established a commanding position.Ankush kept the Tajik at bay, picked his moments carefully and comfortably closed out the contest 5-0.

Parveen returns to podium contention

Parveen then delivered another significant result for India in the women’s 65kg category, defeating Khamidova 5-0 to reach the semifinals.It was Parveen’s first bout of the tournament after she received a walkover in the previous round.

The Haryana boxer showed no signs of rust, instead immediately finding her rhythm against an opponent with a strong international pedigree.Khamidova, a world championships silver medallist, was unable to cope with Parveen’s combination punching. The Indian repeatedly found openings and landed in combinations, controlling the exchanges to secure a unanimous-decision victory.

The medal will have added significance for Parveen, whose bronze from the previous edition was taken away after the World Anti-Doping Agency suspended her for a whereabouts failure.Her latest performance ensures she will return to the Asian Games podium, with the colour of the medal still to be decided.

Sachin exits, Narender awaits

India’s Sachin Siwach, however, bowed out of the men’s 60kg competition after losing 0-5 to Japan’s Shunsuke Kitamoto in the quarterfinal.India still have another medal opportunity in the heavyweight categories, with Narender scheduled to face Thailand’s Adthapong Saengtep in the men’s 90+kg quarterfinal later on Sunday.With Ankush and Parveen already assured of medals, India’s boxing campaign has received a strong boost as the competition enters its decisive stage.