Asian Games 2026: Ankush Panghal punches India’s first boxing medal with 5-0 quarterfinal win

Reigning Commonwealth Games champion Ankush Panghal delivered a commanding performance on Sunday to assure India of its first boxing medal at the Asian Games 2026, defeating Tajikistan's Nekruz Salimov by a unanimous 5-0 decision in the men's 80kg quarterfinals.Ankush controlled the contest for most of the three rounds, using his speed, sharp combinations and solid defence to establish a decisive advantage before holding off a late challenge from Salimov.Ankush dominates first two roundsThe Indian boxer came out aggressively and immediately put Salimov under pressure with a combination of right hooks and crisp 1-2 punches. Ankush won the opening round unanimously, with all five judges scoring it in his favour. He continued to dictate the pace in the second round, showcasing his movement and counter-punching ability while making it difficult for Salimov to land clean shots.His powerful left hook proved particularly effective as he secured another 5-0 verdict in the second round, leaving the Tajik boxer needing a major turnaround in the final three minutes.Salimov fights back, but Ankush holds firmWith his tournament on the line, Salimov came out with greater urgency in the third round and looked to land heavier punches in search of a knockdown. The Tajik boxer managed to connect with a few shots and took the final round 4-1 on the judges' scorecards. However, Ankush had already built a comfortable lead and remained composed until the final bell.Four judges scored the bout 29-28 in Ankush's favour, while the fifth judge awarded him a 30-27 victory, completing a convincing 5-0 win. The quarterfinal victory guarantees Ankush at least a bronze medal, while the CWG champion will now turn his attention to the semifinals as he bids to go one step further.Kurash campaign ends for Indian athletesIndia's campaign in kurash, meanwhile, suffered a series of setbacks on Sunday. Vishal was knocked out in the men's +90kg quarterfinals after losing 5-0 to Thailand's Kunathip Yea-On.In the women's -57kg category, Sangita Balhara suffered a 10-0 defeat against the Philippines' Charmea Quelino in the Round of 32. Bharti was eliminated in the Round of 16 after losing to Iran's Tahereh Azarpeivand, while Yash Kumar Chauhan also exited the men's +90kg competition following a 10-0 defeat to Tajikistan's Shakarmamad Mirmamadov.Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news, check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.