Asian Games: Sachin Siwach one win away from boxing medal after scrappy pre-quarterfinal victory

Sachin Siwach (ANI Photo) NEW DELHI: Indian boxer Sachin Siwach advanced to the men’s 60kg quarter-finals at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya on Friday, defeating Jordan’s Mohammad Adnan Abu Jajeh in a hard-fought contest to move one win away from a medal.The Commonwealth Games gold medalist, who had a first-round bye, had to dig deep to overcome his Jordanian opponent in what turned into a tactical battle after an aggressive start. Sachin eventually secured a split decision victory to keep India’s hopes alive in the men’s 60kg category.Sachin will face World Championship bronze medalist Shunsuke Kitamoto of Japan in the quarterfinals. A win would secure a medal for the Indian at the continental games.Asian Games full coverage | Medal Tally | Schedule

Sachin holds off the late fightback to seal the win

Sachin started the match on the front foot and landed a series of combinations against Abu Jajeh. However, the match soon settled into a tactical affair with both boxers trying to counter their opponent’s attacks.The Indian’s cleaner hitting earned him the opening round on three of the judges’ five scorecards. The second round took place in a similar vein, with the boxers canceling each other’s attacks and waiting for an opening.Abu Jajeh needed to level the ground and pushed forward, allowing Sachin to find opportunities for crisp left and right combinations. The Indian overcame the round again and won it 4-1 on the judges’ scorecards.The Jordanian boxer came out aggressive in the final round, throwing punches in numbers in an attempt to turn the fight around. Sachin stood his ground and traded shots but seemed to tire in the closing stages, allowing his opponent to land some clean shots.Despite the late pressure, the Indian did enough to secure a split decision win and a place in the round of 16.

Preeti Pawar will launch the campaign later in the day

Later on Friday, India’s bronze medalist from the previous edition, Preeti Pawar, will begin her campaign in the women’s 54kg category.India had a mixed day in boxing on Thursday, with Parveen the only Indian to advance after getting through to the quarter-finals of the women’s 65kg. Her compatriots Sakshi Chaudhary and Sumit suffered contrasting outings.Sakshi lost 2-3 to Alua Balkibekova of Kazakhstan in the women’s 51kg pre-quarterfinals, while Sumit was forced to withdraw midway through his men’s 70kg bout due to a knee injury.India’s total medal tally on Friday was 19 and included two gold, eight silver and nine bronze medals.