Asian Games: Ankush Panghal rallies from behind to stun Uzbek world champion to reach gold medal match

Ankush Panghal (IANS photo) NEW DELHI: India’s Ankush Panghal staged a thrilling comeback to stun reigning world champion Fazliddin Erkinboev of Uzbekistan to storm into the men’s 80kg gold at the Asian Games on Tuesday.Ankush was against it after he got knocked out in the opening round. But in the second, the Indian boxer defended himself. He then turned the semi-final on its head with a commanding final round, sweeping all five judges’ cards to seal a 4-1 victory.The win sends Ankush into the final and gives India another chance to add to their medal tally in boxing. His performance was built on a strong finish after a tough start as he stayed in the contest and increased his intensity when the match was on the line.Asian Games full coverage | Medal Tally | Schedule

Ankush turned the tide after losing the opening round

The semi-final started with Fazliddin taking control, earning a 4-1 verdict in the first round. Needing an answer to keep his gold medal hopes alive, Ankush delivered one in the second which he won 3-2 on scorecards.With the match even going into the third, Ankush produced his best boxing of the match. He dominated the final round to secure a 5-0 unanimous verdict, completing his comeback against the reigning world champion.

Parveen Hooda also enters the final

Earlier, India’s Parveen Hooda advanced to the women’s 65kg gold after defeating China’s Li Shu 5-0 in her semi-final.Parveen’s progress marks an improvement on her bronze finish at the previous Asian Games in Hangzhou. This medal was later withdrawn after the International Testing Agency suspended it for 22 months due to an error in whereabouts.Indian boxers have already surpassed their haul of four medals from the previous edition, with six wrestlers securing entry to the medal rounds at these Games. Narender Berwal, the bronze medalist from Hangzhou in the men’s over 90kg category, was also due to fight for a place in the final later on Tuesday.