Ankush Panghal’s 5‑0 smash over Tajikistan’s Nekruz Salimov in the men’s 80kg quarterfinal sealed India’s first boxing medal at the Asian Games 2026, while Parveen Hooda’s 5‑0 knockout of Uzbekistan’s Navbakhor Khamidova in the women’s 65kg quarterfinal pushed both athletes into the semis.
But the fight wasn’t a walk‑over of a scoreline – it was a masterclass in timing. Panghal began with a straight left that cut Salimov’s guard, followed by a right hook that sent the Tajik back to his corner. When Salimov tried to counter in round two, Panghal ducked, then landed a rapid combination that kept the Tajik on the defensive. By the final round, the Indian had a comfortable cushion and didn’t waste energy chasing a win; the judges all agreed 5‑0 in his favor.
Hooda’s half‑hour of action was equally decisive. Coming off a walk‑over, the Haryana star dropped straight into the rhythm, targeting Khamidova’s ribs with sharp, two‑punch combos. The Uzbek, a world‑championship silver medallist, couldn’t land a clean shot before Hooda’s combinations piled up, and the five judges rendered a unanimous 5‑0 verdict. A win that also restores her to the podium after a suspended bronze in the previous edition.
India’s boxing squad isn’t all glory, though. Sachin Siwach fell 0‑5 to Japan’s Shunsuke Kitamoto in the men’s 60kg quarterfinal, ending his campaign early. Meanwhile, Narender is set to face Thailand’s Adthapong Saengtep in the men’s 90+kg quarterfinal later that day. With Panghal and Hooda already assured of medals, the focus now shifts to the heavyweight showdown and the possibility of a fourth Indian boxing medal.