Hisar, August 2, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
India’s Commonwealth Games boxing champion Ankush Panghal’s gold medal triumph in Glasgow has carried special emotional significance for his coach, Pradeep Sawant, who said the victory fulfilled a dream he could not achieve during his own competitive career.
Ankush clinched the men’s 80kg gold medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games after staging a remarkable comeback in the final. After dropping the opening round on most judges’ scorecards, the Indian boxer responded with aggressive attacking combinations and disciplined counter-punching to dominate the remaining rounds and secure India’s seventh boxing gold medal of the Games.
Sawant said meticulous planning and the ability to change tactics during the contest proved decisive. He revealed that his preparations had primarily focused on overcoming opponents from England and Canada, whom he regarded as the toughest challengers in the competition.
Recalling the final, the coach said Ankush adapted perfectly after losing the first round, executing a revised strategy that had been discussed extensively before the bout. According to Sawant, the boxer remained composed under pressure and implemented the plan round by round to turn the contest in his favour.
He also highlighted the difficult semifinal against Canada’s boxer, saying the team had prepared through detailed discussions, including phone and video calls, to ensure Ankush was ready for the toughest stages of the tournament.
Speaking emotionally about his long association with the boxer, Sawant said Ankush had joined him as a young boy, and he had promised the athlete’s mother that he would guide his career. “What I couldn’t do in 2010, Ankush has done and fulfilled my dream,” he said.
Looking ahead, the coach said preparations would now shift towards the Asian Games, where India is expected to face stronger competition from traditional boxing powers such as Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.
Ankush’s mother credited his disciplined lifestyle, early morning training sessions and traditional homemade diet, including milk, curd and other nutritious foods, for his success. His father, Mukesh Kumar, said the family had a sporting background through kabaddi and revealed that Ankush initially wanted to pursue the sport before ultimately choosing boxing.
The family is now preparing a grand welcome for the Commonwealth Games champion upon his return home.
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