Ankush Panghal Wins Asian Games Gold in Men’s 80kg Boxing

Aichi-Nagoya, October 2, 2026: India’s Ankush Panghal produced a sensational performance to win the gold medal in the men’s 80kg boxing event at the Asian Games 2026, defeating South Korea’s Kim Minseong in the final.

Panghal controlled the contest with his speed, movement and counter-punching ability to secure the Asian Games title. The victory marks another major milestone for the 21-year-old Haryana boxer, who had already won Commonwealth Games gold earlier this year.

Ankush Ends India’s Wait for Men’s Boxing Gold

Panghal’s triumph is particularly significant for Indian boxing as he becomes the first Indian male boxer to win an Asian Games gold medal since Amit Panghal’s triumph in 2018.

His road to the final included a memorable comeback victory over Uzbekistan’s reigning world champion Fazliddin Erkinboev in the semifinal. Panghal recovered strongly after losing the opening round and dominated the final round to book his place in the gold-medal bout.

In the final against Kim Minseong, Panghal maintained his composure and repeatedly found success with clean counter-punches while using his movement to neutralise the South Korean boxer’s attacks.

Complete Men’s 80kg Boxing Podium

Kim Minseong reached the final after defeating Jordan’s Hussein Iashaish in the semifinal, while Panghal advanced by overcoming Uzbekistan’s Fazliddin Erkinboev. The two semifinal losers shared the bronze medals.

India Completes a Golden Boxing Hat-Trick

Panghal’s victory also completed an extraordinary day for Indian boxing. Earlier, Lovlina Borgohain won gold in the women’s 75kg category, while Parveen Hooda secured gold in the women’s 65kg event.

Panghal’s triumph therefore gave India three boxing gold medals on the same day at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.

The achievement further underlines the strong showing of India’s boxing contingent at the 2026 Asian Games, with Panghal adding another major international title to his growing résumé.

A Golden Chapter for Indian Boxing

From his comeback victory in the semifinal to his composed performance in the final, Ankush Panghal’s Asian Games campaign has been one of resilience, tactical maturity and determination.

His gold medal not only puts him at the top of the men’s 80kg podium but also adds another landmark achievement to Indian boxing’s Asian Games history.

Ankush Panghal is now an Asian Games champion. India has another boxing gold, and the men’s 80kg podium belongs to Panghal, Kim Minseong, Fazliddin Erkinboev and Hussein Iashaish.