Ankush Panghal, Parveen Hooda Reach Asian Games Boxing Finals
India enjoyed a successful day in boxing at the Asian Games in Nishio on Tuesday, with Ankush Panghal and Parveen Hooda advancing to their respective gold-medal bouts, while Narender Berwal secured a bronze medal in the men’s super-heavyweight category.
Parveen defeated China’s Li Shu 5-0 in the women’s 65kg semifinals, while Ankush produced a stirring comeback to beat Uzbekistan’s reigning 75kg world champion Fazliddin Erkinboev 4-1 in the men’s 80kg category.
Narender, meanwhile, lost 0-5 to Kazakhstan’s reigning super-heavyweight world champion Aibek Oralbay in the +90kg semifinals, settling for bronze.
Ankush Panghal Ends Eight-Year Wait For Indian Finalist
Ankush became the first Indian male boxer in eight years to reach an Asian Games final. Amit Panghal, who won the 49kg gold in 2018, was the last Indian man to achieve the feat.
The Commonwealth Games gold medallist showed remarkable resilience against Erkinboev, recovering from a slow start to dominate the final round and secure a 4-1 victory.
Ankush struggled to find his range in the opening round as the Uzbek boxer applied early pressure. Despite landing a few counter-punches, the Indian lost the round 1-4 on the judges’ scorecards.
He responded strongly in the second round, increasing his attacking intensity, mixing combinations and targeting the body to edge the round 3-2.
With the contest finely balanced, Ankush produced his best boxing in the final round. He dictated the exchanges, landed clean combinations and took control to seal the semifinal.
“I had played against the same opponent during the Asian junior championships and I lost the bout. We watched the videos of his bouts and we did our strategy,” Ankush told PTI.
“The CWG also boosted my confidence and I have come here to win gold. I lost the first round but my mindset was to somehow win the semis and go for gold,” he added.
Ankush will face South Korea’s Kim Minseong in the final.
Parveen Hooda Storms Into 65kg Gold-Medal Bout
Parveen Hooda became only the third Indian female boxer to reach an Asian Games final, joining MC Mary Kom and Lovlina Borgohain.
Mary Kom won gold in 2014, while Lovlina claimed silver at the previous edition.
The 2023 World Championships bronze medallist defeated China’s Li Shu 5-0 in a controlled performance to book her place in the women’s 65kg final.
Parveen started cautiously against Li, who had beaten the world champion in her quarterfinal. The Indian relied on sharp counter-punches and gradually took control of the contest.
“The bout went well. I was a little nervous before the bout because she had beaten the world champion in her quarterfinal. I was preparing to face that girl, so I had to change my plan. I’ve managed well with my counter-punches,” Parveen said.
She won the second round unanimously before closing out the third 4-1 to complete a comprehensive victory.
The result also offered an opportunity for redemption after Parveen was stripped of her bronze medal from the 2023 Asian Games following a 22-month suspension imposed by the International Testing Agency for a whereabouts failure.
Parveen will face Chinese Taipei’s Paris Olympics bronze medallist Chen Nien-chin in Friday’s gold-medal bout.
“I hope for the gold, and I will give my best to take it,” she added.
Narender Berwal Secures Second Asian Games Bronze
Narender Berwal settled for bronze in the men’s +90kg category after losing 0-5 to Kazakhstan’s reigning super-heavyweight world champion Aibek Oralbay.
The 31-year-old Indian struggled to cope with Oralbay’s sustained attacking pressure and received a standing count in the third round.
Narender said he had analysed his opponent’s previous bouts but was unable to execute the planned strategy effectively.
“He is world number one and he had power and moved fast. This is my second Asian Games medal so I will take it. This medal is very important because it will give more points in rankings,” he said.
The bronze was Narender’s second Asian Games medal after he also finished on the podium at the 2023 Hangzhou edition.
He now plans to return to training in Patiala and focus on the upcoming World Championships, where a higher ranking could help him secure a first-round bye.
