Nishio, September 27, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
India’s Parveen Hooda assured herself of a medal at the Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 after defeating Uzbekistan’s Navbakhor Khamidova 5-0 in the women’s 65kg quarterfinal at Nishio Gymnasium on Sunday.
Parveen controlled the bout with her reach and speed, keeping Khamidova at distance while landing quick combinations and counter-punches. The Uzbek is a silver medallist from the 2025 World Championships.
Khamidova began aggressively and found some success with her left hook in the opening round, forcing Parveen to fight on the back foot. The Indian responded with sharp one-two combinations and well-timed counters to take the round 4-1 on the judges’ scorecards.
The second round followed a similar pattern, with Khamidova attempting to increase the pressure. Parveen maintained her distance and capitalised whenever her opponent moved forward. A late counter-attacking burst strengthened her position as she took the round 5-0.
After two rounds, Parveen led 20-18 on four judges’ cards, while one judge had the bout level at 19-19.
With victory within reach, Parveen remained composed in the final round. Khamidova tried to change tactics by hanging back before attempting to counter, but Parveen’s movement and reach continued to help her land clean punches.
A late exchange produced a flurry of punches, but Parveen had done enough to secure a unanimous 5-0 victory and book her place in the semifinals.
The result marks Parveen’s return to the Asian Games podium after her bronze from the 2022 Hangzhou edition was subsequently rescinded following a doping whereabouts violation.
Parveen later returned to international competition and reached the quarterfinals at the 2026 Commonwealth Games before beginning her Aichi-Nagoya campaign.
She will now fight for a place in the final and could face Kazakhstan’s reigning world champion Aida Abikeyeva in the semifinals.
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