Ankush Panghal Clinches Gold in Men's 80kg Boxing at Asian Games

Ankush Panghal's Triumph

Indian boxer Ankush Panghal expressed immense joy after securing the gold medal in the men's 80kg category, attributing his success to relentless effort and self-belief. He dedicated this achievement to his parents, coach, and his regiment, the Indian Army's 6 Grenadiers.

Continuing India's Gold Streak

On Friday, Panghal contributed to India's impressive medal tally at the Asian Games by winning the third boxing gold of the day. He triumphed over South Korea's Kim Min-seong in the men's 80kg final, marking a significant milestone as he became the first Indian male boxer to win an Asian Games gold since Amit Panghal in 2018.

Panghal's Winning Mindset

"Winning gold feels incredible; my sole focus was on securing victory in the bout. I didn't feel pressured, as I had confidence in my preparation. This medal is dedicated to my parents, my coach, and my unit, the Indian Army's 6 Grenadiers," Panghal stated.

A Display of Skill and Power

Ankush began the match with aggressive right hooks aimed at Kim's body, while the Korean attempted to keep his distance and counter. Panghal's uppercuts and a warning point against Kim worked to his advantage, allowing him to take the first round decisively with a score of 4-1.

In the second round, Ankush maintained his aggressive style, executing quick combinations and showcasing his footwork. Both boxers exchanged body shots, but Panghal's counter-punching kept him ahead, winning the round 5-0 and leading 20-17 on the judges' scorecards.

During the final round, Kim tried to counter and evade, but Panghal held onto his lead. Although Kim landed a few solid punches, his defense faltered, allowing Ankush to secure the victory.