Preeti's Asian Games Run Ends Against World Champion Pang Chol-mi

Commonwealth Games champion Preeti's Asian Games campaign came to an end on Friday as the Indian boxer suffered a unanimous 0-5 defeat to North Korea's two-time world champion Pang Chol-mi in the women's 54kg round of 16 at the Nishio Gymnasium.

Preeti, who won bronze at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games, was unable to find a way through Chol-mi's measured approach as the North Korean controlled the contest from the opening bell. The Indian attempted to change the complexion of the bout in the final round, but Chol-mi's composure and accuracy kept her firmly in control.

Pang Chol-mi dictates the contest

Preeti entered the bout after receiving a first-round bye, while Chol-mi had already been tested in the round of 32, where she defeated Indonesia's Nabila Maharani.

The North Korean quickly established her authority against Preeti, keeping the Indian from settling into her preferred rhythm. Chol-mi was awarded the opening round unanimously and carried that advantage into the second, with all five judges again siding with the two-time world champion.

Preeti needed a significant response in the final round, but Chol-mi rarely gave her an opening.

The North Korean picked her moments carefully, landing punches with precision while forcing Preeti to work from uncomfortable positions. Another unanimous 5-0 verdict in the third round confirmed Chol-mi's victory and brought the Indian's campaign to a premature end.

Sachin moves into Asian Games quarter-finals

There was better news for India earlier in the day as Sachin advanced to the men's quarter-finals after defeating Jordan's Mohammad Abu Jajeh 4-1 in the round of 16.

The Indian, who also won gold at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, edged a closely fought opening round 3-2 before beginning to establish greater control.

Sachin's punches became more precise in the second round, earning him a 4-1 verdict as Abu Jajeh struggled to impose himself on the contest. The Jordanian attempted to raise the intensity in the final round, but his attacks lacked the accuracy required to swing the judges.

Sachin again took the round 4-1 to complete a 4-1 victory overall.

The judges' scorecards reflected a competitive contest, with two judges awarding Sachin a 30-27 score and two others giving him 29-28. One judge, however, scored the bout 28-29 in favour of Abu Jajeh.

Sachin eyes maiden Asian Games medal

Sachin will now face Japan's Shunsuke Kitamoto in the quarter-finals.

The Indian boxer, fresh from his Commonwealth Games 2026 triumph, is now one victory away from securing his maiden Asian Games medal. Kitamoto, however, brings significant pedigree of his own as a World Championships bronze medallist.

With a place in the semi-finals at stake, Sachin will look to extend India's campaign in the boxing ring after Preeti's exit earlier on Friday.