'She Said I'll Bring Back Gold': Parveen Hooda's Father on Asian Games Triumph
Parveen Hooda secures 65kg gold at the Asian Games, defeating Chen Nien-Chen. Her father looks ahead to the World Cup and 2028 Olympics.
In a moment of immense pride for Indian boxing, Lakhpat Hooda has shared his reaction following his daughter Parveen Hooda’s spectacular gold medal victory in the women’s 65kg category at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026. The triumph marks a significant milestone for the athlete, who has shown incredible resilience on the international stage.
A Promise Kept
Speaking to ANI, Lakhpat Hooda revealed that the gold medal was not a surprise to the family, as Parveen had expressed absolute confidence in her ability to win before the tournament began. "It was a very tough competition. We were hopeful that our daughter would bring home the gold medal. She had said beforehand, 'I will definitely bring back the gold,'" he stated.
The victory is particularly sweet as it serves as a massive redemption for the Indian pugilist. After the heartbreak of losing her 2022 Asian Games bronze due to a doping whereabouts failure, Parveen has returned to the podium at the highest level, proving her mettle to the world.
The Path to Glory: Defeating Chen Nien-Chen
The final was a high-stakes, tactical battle against Chinese Taipei's Chen Nien-Chen. Parveen secured the gold via a tense 3-2 split decision, marking India's second boxing gold of the day.
The match unfolded in intense rounds:
- Round 1: Parveen started with precision, dominating the opening round with a 5-0 scoreline.
- Round 2: The competition leveled out as Chen managed to fight back. Parveen utilized her reach effectively to breach the defense, but Chen claimed the round.
- Round 3: In a nail-biting final round, both boxers exchanged heavy blows. While Chen attempted desperate punches, Parveen remained composed, landing crucial counter-punches to clinch the victory.
Eyes on the World Cup and 2028 Olympics
With the Asian Games gold secured, Parveen Hooda is already looking toward her next major challenges. Her father, brimming with optimism, highlighted the upcoming milestones for the champion.
"The next goal is the World Cup in April; she will win that too. And then, looking ahead to the 2028 Olympics," Lakhpat Hooda remarked.
As the news of her victory spreads, her hometown is preparing for a massive celebration. Parveen is expected to arrive back home on October 4, where villagers have already begun planning a grand welcome to honor the champion's historic achievement.