'I Had To Win the Bout': Ankush Panghal Clinches Asian Games Boxing Gold
Indian boxer Ankush Panghal secures men's 80kg gold at the Asian Games, defeating South Korea's Kim Min-seong.
Indian boxer Ankush Panghal has etched his name in history by securing the gold medal in the men's 80kg category at the Asian Games. In a display of sheer dominance and tactical precision, the reigning Commonwealth Games champion defeated South Korea's Kim Min-seong to claim India's third boxing gold of the day.
A Historic Victory for Indian Boxing
Panghal's victory is a landmark achievement for the nation. He becomes the first Indian man to secure an Asian Games boxing gold since Amit Panghal's triumph in 2018. Throughout the bout, the Indian pugilist showed why he is considered one of the most formidable competitors in his weight class.
Speaking after the victory, Panghal expressed his immense joy. "It feels great to win gold; the only thing on my mind was that I had to win the bout, no matter what," he said. Addressing the mental aspect of the fight, he added, "There wasn't really pressure, but I had faith in the hard work I’d put in; I knew I had to win gold."
Dedication to the Unit and Family
The victory was not just a personal milestone but a tribute to his support system. Panghal dedicated his hard-earned gold medal to his parents, his coach, and his military unit, the Indian Army’s 6 Grenadiers.
Match Breakdown: How Ankush Dominated the Ring
The final was a high-octane encounter that showcased Panghal's aggressive style and ability to handle pressure.
Round 1: Setting the Pace
Ankush started the match with intent, targeting Kim Min-seong's body with powerful right hooks. While the South Korean attempted to use distance to his advantage and land counter-punches, the Indian remained relentless. After landing several effective uppercuts and benefiting from a warning point issued to Kim, Panghal took the first round with a score of 4-1.
Round 2: Aggression and Agility
In the second round, Panghal’s footwork and speed were on full display. He utilized quick 1-2 punch combinations and moved fluidly around the ring. Although both fighters struggled with defensive lapses and exchanged heavy body shots, Panghal's superior counter-punching allowed him to control the momentum. He secured the second round 5-0, leading the overall score 20-17 across four judges.
Round 3: Holding the Lead
The final round saw a desperate rally from Kim Min-seong, who attempted to use bobbing, weaving, and counter-punching to close the gap. Despite Kim landing a fast left uppercut and several fair punches, his defensive weaknesses allowed Panghal to land significant body shots. Ultimately, the judges maintained the lead for the Indian, confirming Ankush Panghal as the Asian Games champion.