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Commonwealth Games Champion Ankush Panghal Moves Closer to Asian Games Podium (Image: Google)
Nagoyi-Aichi (Japan), September 23: India’s boxing campaign at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games continued its impressive run as Ankush Panghal secured a convincing victory to enter the men’s 80kg quarterfinals on Wednesday. Making his debut at the continental multi-sport event, the 21-year-old boxer defeated Bahrain’s Hamsa Vogel with a 5-0 unanimous decision in the Round of 16, keeping India’s winning streak intact in the boxing competition.
Panghal displayed excellent ring control throughout the contest, combining quick combinations, accurate punches and disciplined movement to dominate the exchanges. The Indian boxer maintained pressure from the opening bell and gave his opponent limited opportunities to take control. His tactical approach and composure impressed the judges, resulting in a clear unanimous victory.
Panghal entered the competition with strong international credentials. The Commonwealth Games gold medallist has already made his mark on the global stage after winning a silver medal at the World Boxing Cup Final last year.
With the quarterfinal victory potentially securing an Asian Games medal, Panghal now stands just one win away from achieving a major milestone in his international career.
The Indian boxer will now face Tajikistan’s Nekruz Salimov in the men’s 80kg quarterfinal. The bout will decide who advances to the last four and moves closer to the Asian Games podium. Panghal had earlier started his campaign with a 3-0 victory over Brunei’s boxer in the Round of 32, showcasing consistency and confidence in his maiden Asian Games appearance.
Panghal’s victory added to India’s impressive beginning in the boxing event. All four Indian boxers who have competed so far have progressed beyond their opening bouts. Jadumani Singh advanced in the men’s 55kg category after defeating Nepal’s Chandra Bahadur Thapa 5-0, while Sakshi Chaudhary began her women’s 51kg campaign with a 5-0 win against Paris Olympian Aira Villegas of the Philippines.
Sakshi will next face world champion Alua Balkibekova in the Round of 16, while Panghal will aim to continue India’s medal push in Nagoya.
Meanwhile the Indian hockey player Deepika, who scored a record nine goals in India's 20-1 rout of Thailand, bettering her own mark of eight strikes against Uzbekistan in the opening match of the Asian Games, grew up in a family deeply rooted in wrestling. However, she believes her success is down to more than just the athletic genes inherited from her wrestling family.
"If I hadn't played hockey, I would have been a wrestler. But hockey has given me so much that I can't say whether I would have achieved similar success in wrestling," said Deepika.
"Strength alone isn't enough. Skill, consistency and discipline are crucial. I returned last year after battling a major injury and making a comeback after an injury is also very crucial. It takes many years to become a good drag-flicker," adds Deepika.
