Asian Games 2026: Ankush Panghal, Parveen Hooda assure India of two boxing medals

Ankush Panghal and Parveen Hooda (Photo by IANS/PTI) NEW DELHI: India’s boxing campaign at the 2026 Asian Games got a major boost on Sunday as Ankush Panghal and Parveen Hooda stormed into the semi-finals of their respective weight categories to secure two medals for the country.Ankush became the first Indian boxer to secure a medal at the ongoing Aichi-Nagoya Games after he won the men’s 80kg quarter-final with a 5-0 unanimous decision over Tajikistan’s Nekruz Salimov. Parveen followed that up with an equally emphatic 5-0 win over Uzbekistan’s World Championship silver medalist Navbakhor Khamid in the women’s 65kg quarter-final.Two semi-final finishes guarantee India at least two bronze medals, with both boxers now one win away from advancing to their respective gold bouts.

Ankush dominates Asian Games debut

Ankush, who won Commonwealth Games gold in Glasgow last month, looked in complete control during the quarter-final against Salimov.Making his debut at the Asian Games, the Haryana boxer immediately established his authority and landed clean punches to keep his Tajik 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 gave him the opening round.Asian Games full coverage | Medal Tally | ScheduleSalimov tried to change the momentum in the second round by closing the distance and looking for counter opportunities. However, Ankush was quick to react and maintained control, continuing a steady flow of punches and avoiding unnecessary exchanges.All five judges again scored the round in his favor.With a comfortable lead heading into the final lap, Ankush showed composure rather than taking any unnecessary risks. Salimov tried to pick up the pace and managed to land a few punches, but the Indian had already established a commanding position.Ankush kept the Tajik at bay, choosing his moments carefully and comfortably closing out the match 5-0.

Parveen returns to the podium

Parveen then produced another major result for India in the women’s 65kg category when she defeated Khamidova 5-0 to reach the semi-finals.It was Parveena’s first match in the tournament after suffering 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.Khamid, a World Championship silver medallist, was unable to match Parveen’s combination stroke. The Indian repeatedly found openings and landed combinations, controlling the exchanges to secure a unanimous victory.The medal will have added significance for Parveen, who was stripped of her bronze from the previous edition after she was suspended by the World Anti-Doping Agency for a whereabouts error.Her latest performance saw her return to the Asian Games podium, with the color of the medal yet to be decided.

Sachin leaves, Narender waits

However, India’s Sachin Siwach bowed out of the men’s 60kg event after losing 0-5 to Japan’s Shunsuke Kitamoto in the quarterfinals.India still has another medal opportunity in the heavyweight divisions, with Narender scheduled to face Thailand’s Adthapong Saengtep in the men’s 90kg quarter-final 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 phase.