Nishio, September 27, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Reigning Commonwealth Games champion Ankush Panghal assured India of its first boxing medal at the ongoing Asian Games after defeating Tajikistan’s Nekruz Salimov by a unanimous 5-0 decision in the men’s 80kg quarterfinals at Nishio Gymnasium on Sunday.
Ankush controlled the bout for most of the three rounds, using his speed, combinations and movement to keep Salimov under pressure. The Indian boxer won the opening two rounds unanimously before Salimov mounted a late challenge in the final round.
Four judges scored the bout 29-28 in Ankush’s favour, while the fifth awarded him a 30-27 victory.
Ankush made a strong start, winning the opening round 5-0 after landing several right hooks and sharp 1-2 combinations. He continued to dictate the pace in the second round, using his left hook and quick counter-punches to earn another unanimous 5-0 verdict.
Salimov responded in the third round as he searched for a knockdown, managing to land some punches on Ankush. However, the Indian maintained his defensive discipline and absorbed the pressure. Salimov took the round 4-1, but Ankush had already built a decisive advantage.
The semifinal appearance guarantees Ankush at least a bronze medal, making him India’s first boxing medallist at the ongoing Asian Games.
In kurash, India endured a difficult day as several competitors exited the competition. Vishal lost his men’s +90kg quarterfinal to Thailand’s Kunathip Yea-On by 5-0.
Sangita Balhara was beaten 10-0 by the Philippines’ Charmea Quelino in the women’s -57kg Round of 32. Bharti lost to Iran’s Tahereh Azarpeivand in the women’s -57kg Round of 16, while Yash Kumar Chauhan suffered a 10-0 defeat to Tajikistan’s Shakarmamad Mirmamadov in the men’s +90kg Round of 16.
In athletics, India’s decathlon star Tejaswin Shankar slipped to third place after seven events. He has accumulated 5,869 points and trails leader Chen Xinghua by 50 points and Japan’s Yuma Maruyama, who is second, by 45 points, with three events remaining.
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