“I feel proud": Parveen Hooda celebrates Asian Games gold, dedicates medal to late brother
Indian boxer Parveen Hooda clinches 65kg gold at Asian Games 2026, dedicating her victory to her late brother and the nation.
Indian boxer Parveen Hooda has reached the pinnacle of Asian boxing, clinching the gold medal in the women’s 65kg category at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026. In a high-stakes final, she overcame a formidable opponent to secure India's second boxing gold of the day, marking a triumphant moment for the nation's medal tally.
A Victory of Redemption and Emotion
For Parveen Hooda, this gold medal is more than just a sporting achievement; it is a story of personal redemption and profound emotion. After the heartbreak of the 2022 Asian Games, where she missed out on a bronze medal due to a doping whereabouts failure, this victory serves as a powerful comeback on the continental stage.
Speaking about her achievement, a tearful yet proud Parveen shared that the win was deeply personal. "I feel very proud to have contributed to the country's medal tally; it feels wonderful to have achieved something for the nation," she said. In a touching tribute, she dedicated her hard-earned glory to her country and her late brother, Hardik Rathi. "I would like to dedicate this medal to my country and to my late brother, Hardik Rathi," she added.
Tactical Brilliance in a Close-Run Final
The final against Chinese Taipei's Chen Nien-Chen was a tactical masterclass that kept spectators on the edge of their seats. The match was decided by a narrow 3-2 split decision, highlighting how razor-thin the margin was between the two elite athletes.
The bout unfolded in three intense stages:
- Round One: Parveen started with absolute dominance, displaying superior control to take the opening round with a commanding 5-0 score.
- Round Two: The momentum shifted as Chen Nien-Chen fought back. Parveen utilized her reach effectively to breach the defense, but the Chinese Taipei boxer managed to reclaim the round.
- Round Three: With the gold on the line, Parveen demonstrated immense mental fortitude. She adjusted her strategy mid-fight, utilizing quick "one-two" combinations and precise counter-punches to neutralize Chen's desperate late-game attacks.
Looking Toward the World Championships
The strategic shift in the final round proved to be the deciding factor. Parveen noted that while her opponent was incredibly skilled, her ability to tweak her approach during the heat of the fight allowed her to clinch the win.
With this gold medal secured, the Indian pugilist is already setting her sights on even greater heights. She noted that the experience gained in Aichi-Nagoya will be instrumental in her preparation for the upcoming World Championships next year, signaling that her journey on the global stage is only just beginning.