Asian Games 2026: Ankush Panghal Makes History, Wins India’s First Men’s Boxing Gold In Nagoya

Nagoya, Oct 2: Ankush Panghal scripted history at the Asian Games 2026 on Friday, October 3, becoming the first Indian male boxer to win a gold medal at the continental event. The 21-year-old Haryana boxer produced a dominant performance against South Korea's Minseong Kim in the men's 80kg final, securing a comprehensive 5-0 victory.

Ankush established his authority from the opening round, earning a 4-1 verdict before raising his level further in the second round to register a unanimous 5-0 decision. He completed the job with another 4-1 score in the final round to seal the gold medal convincingly. The triumph marked a major milestone in what has already been a breakthrough year for the young boxer.

The Asian Games title came in Ankush's first appearance at the continental competition. He had already made a strong impression earlier in 2026 by winning gold at his maiden Commonwealth Games in Glasgow 2026, making his latest achievement another significant addition to his rapidly growing medal collection.

Before Ankush's historic triumph, India had secured two bronze medals in men's boxing at the ongoing Asian Games. His victory also took India's boxing gold-medal tally at the Games to three, with the other two titles coming from the women's competition.

Lovlina Borgohain delivered one of the day's other standout performances, defeating China's Ziyi Bao 5-0 in the women's 75kg final on her 29th birthday. The victory allowed Lovlina to improve on the silver medal she won at the previous edition of the Asian Games.

Parveen Hooda also secured gold in the women's 65kg category after edging Chinese Taipei's Paris Olympic bronze-medallist Chen Nien-chin 3-2 in a closely fought split decision. The victory marked Parveen's maiden Asian Games gold.

Lovlina and Parveen's triumphs ended India's 12-year wait for women's boxing gold at the Asian Games. They also joined legendary Indian boxer MC Mary Kom in the select group of Indian women boxers to have won Asian Games gold, underlining a memorable day for the country's boxing contingent.