Asian Games 2026: Boxing Medals for India; Volleyball Sweeps Vietnam
Parveen Hooda and Ankush Panghal secure boxing medals at the Asian Games 2026, while the men's volleyball team sweeps Vietnam 3-0.
India experienced a rollercoaster of emotions at the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, as the nation secured crucial boxing medals while the men's volleyball team delivered a dominant performance. While some pugilists fell short of the podium, others found redemption and glory on the ring.
Boxing Glory: Parveen Hooda and Ankush Panghal Secure Medals
The highlight of the day came from the boxing ring, where Parveen Hooda delivered a masterclass in the women's 65 kg category. In a moment of profound redemption, Hooda secured her place on the podium by defeating Uzbekistan's Navbakhor Khamidova, a silver medallist at the World Championships. Hooda's performance was nothing short of clinical, earning a 5-0 unanimous decision victory. Having previously seen her 2022 Asian Games bronze rescinded due to a doping violation, her dominant scores of 4-1, 5-0, and 5-0 across the three rounds signal her intent to go for the gold.
Adding to the medal tally, Ankush Panghal guaranteed a podium finish for India in the men's 80 kg division. Panghal showcased superior skill in his quarterfinal bout, overcoming Tajikistan's Nekruz Salimov to advance and claim his medal.
Heartbreak for Sachin Siwach
It was not all celebrations for the Indian boxing contingent, however. Sachin Siwach saw his medal hopes dashed in the men's 60kg quarterfinals. Facing Japan's Shunsuke Kitamoto, Siwach fought valiantly but ultimately lost a close contest on the judges' scorecards. Although Siwach staged a spirited comeback in the third round, winning it 4-1, Kitamoto's early lead was too significant to overcome. The final tally saw four judges scoring the match 29-28 for the Japanese boxer, while only one judge favored Siwach.
Volleyball Dominance: India Crushes Vietnam
Switching from the ring to the court, the Indian men's volleyball team continued their strong campaign in Pool C. India delivered a commanding performance against Vietnam, securing a 3-0 straight-sets victory.
The Indian side controlled the tempo from the very beginning, leaving the Vietnamese side struggling to find a rhythm. The set scores reflected India's absolute control:
- Set 1: 25-20
- Set 2: 25-21
- Set 3: 25-20
This comprehensive sweep reinforces India's position as a formidable force in the tournament as they look to progress further in the competition.