Kapil Pokhariya secured a bronze medal for India in the men’s 90kg boxing category at the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya after his impressive run ended in the semifinals on Wednesday.
Making his Asian Games debut, Kapil went down 1-4 to Uzbekistan’s Turabek Khabibullaev at the Nishio Gymnasium. The Uzbek boxer, a reigning world champion and 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games bronze medallist, secured the victory by split decision. Four judges scored the bout 30-27 in Khabibullaev’s favour, while one judge gave Kapil a 29-28 verdict.
Khabibullaev established control early, winning the opening round 5-0 on the judges’ scorecards. He continued to hold the advantage in the second round, taking it 4-1. Kapil tried to fight his way back into the contest but could not overturn the deficit in the final round.
Despite the semifinal defeat, Kapil’s campaign remains a significant achievement. He had booked his place in the last four with a 5-0 unanimous-decision victory over South Korea’s Kim Gichae in the quarterfinals. His earlier progress had already guaranteed him a medal, with all semifinalists assured of at least bronze.
And after securing the Bronze medal, the pugilist spoke about being disappointed for not advancing to the final, but he also admitted his pride.
“While I am disappointed that I couldn’t make it to the final, I am still very proud of winning this bronze medal. I have been working with my coaches for a long time, and this medal is the result of that hard work. Every player dreams of representing India on a big stage like this, and I feel very positive about where this journey is headed. Inspire Institute of Sport has supported me throughout, and I am truly grateful for that. I want to dedicate this medal to my coaches and family, who have believed in me every step of the way,” said Kapil.
Kapil’s bronze adds another medal to India’s boxing haul at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. His podium finish also marks a memorable beginning to his Asian Games career, with the 90kg boxer emerging as one of India’s medal winners in the men’s competition.