Ankush Panghal Makes History With Asian Games Boxing Gold

Ankush Panghal of India made history by winning the men’s 80 kg boxing gold medal at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi Nagoya.

The 21 year old wrapped up a great tournament for Indian boxing with a 4-0 win over South Korea’s Kim Minseong in the final on Friday.

With his triumph he became the first Indian male boxer to win Asian Games gold since Amit Panghal in 2018.

Panghal dominated the fight with swift mobility precise combinations and good counter-punching.

He started well and kept pace with Kim's attacks in the three-round bout. The Indian fighter was well enough ahead to win on the judges’ scorecards.

The gold medal is another feather in the cap of Panghal’s excellent 2026 season.

Two months previously he had added a Commonwealth Games gold in the 80 kg division, another significant championship before his Asian Games success.

His route to the final includes a big semi-final win over Uzbekistan’s Fazliddin Erkinboev.

Panghal came back strongly to beat the incumbent world champion in the 75 kg category 4-1 and secure a berth in the gold medal battle.

Panghal’s victory ensured India ended a historic day in boxing. Lovlina Borgohain won the gold in women’s 75kg and Parveen Hooda won the gold in women’s 65 kg.

India ended their boxing campaign at the Asian Games with six medals including three gold and three bronze.

It was the country’s best Asian Games boxing performance in terms of gold medals.

The win for Panghal is another big step in his burgeoning career and further consolidates his status as one of India’s bright boxing prospects.