Kapil Pokhariya Keeps India’s Asian Games Boxing Campaign Moving in Nagoya

Indian boxer Kapil Pokhariya advanced to the quarterfinals of the men's 91kg competition at the Asian Games 2026 with a commanding unanimous victory over Iran's Sam Estaki, while compatriot Jadumani Singh was eliminated in the men's 55kg round of 16 on Saturday.

Pokhariya produced a composed performance in Nagoya, securing a 5-0 victory over Estaki to book his place in the last eight. Despite giving away a height advantage to the Iranian, the Indian consistently found his range and used cleaner punching to control the contest.

Kapil Pokhariya controls contest against Estaki

Pokhariya established his authority from the opening round, taking a 4-1 advantage as he landed the cleaner punches and dictated the pace of the bout.

Estaki struggled to impose himself despite his height advantage, with Pokhariya maintaining his composure and continuing to find openings. The Indian boxer carried his momentum into the second round and earned another unanimous 5-0 verdict from the judges.

Estaki was unable to mount a significant challenge in the final round, allowing Pokhariya to protect his advantage and complete a comfortable victory.

Pokhariya will now face the winner of the bout between South Korea's Kim Gichae and Pakistan's Irfan Khan in the quarterfinals on September 28.

Jadumani Singh exits after Paalam defeat

Jadumani Singh's Asian Games campaign, meanwhile, came to an end after he lost 0-3 to Philippines boxer Carlo Paalam in the men's 55kg round of 16.

Paalam, the Tokyo Olympics silver medallist, made the stronger start, using his speed and counter-attacking ability to trouble Jadumani in the opening round. Although the Indian landed several jabs and attempted to apply pressure, Paalam finished the round strongly, with all five judges giving him the round 10-9.

The second round developed into a tactical contest, with both boxers looking for openings. Paalam retained his advantage, leaving Jadumani needing a strong final round to turn the bout around.

Both fighters increased their aggression in the final three minutes and exchanged punches in a demanding finish. However, Paalam's advantage from the earlier rounds proved decisive as he secured the 3-0 decision and advanced to the next stage.

India's Priya is also scheduled to compete later on Saturday, when she takes on South Korea's Oh Yeonji in the women's 60kg round of 16.