Indian boxer Ankush Panghal won the men’s 80kg gold at the Asian Games, beating Kim Min-seong of South Korea. He dedicated the medal to his parents, coach, and his unit, the Indian Army’s 6 Grenadiers, crediting his hard work for the win.
Indian boxer Ankush Panghal said winning the men’s 80kg gold was a great feeling, crediting his hard work and belief for helping him overcome pressure. He dedicated the medal to his parents, coach and his unit, the Indian Army’s 6 Grenadiers.
Panghal continued India’s gold rush at the Asian Games on Friday, sealing India’s third boxing gold of the day by beating Kim Min-seong of South Korea in the men’s 80 kg final on Friday. The reigning Commonwealth Games champion was at his dominant best, becoming the first Indian man to secure an Asian Games boxing gold since Amit Panghal way back in 2018.
‘Knew I Had to Win Gold’
“It feels great to win gold; the only thing on my mind was that I had to win the bout, no matter what. There wasn’t really pressure, but I had faith in the hard work I’d put in; I knew I had to win gold. I dedicate this medal to my mom and dad, my coach, and my unit, the Indian Army’s 6 Grenadiers,” Panghal told ANI.
Panghal’s Dominant Performance
Ankush started well with a couple of right hook attempts into Kim’s body, and the Korean tried to maintain his distance and counterpunch as Ankush kept up his aggression. The Indian managed a couple of uppercuts, and a warning point to Kim worked in the Indian’s favour. The Indian packed a lot of power into his punches, and despite a late rally from his opponent, Ankush took the first round 4-1.
Ankush continued his aggressive approach in the second round, with some quick 1-2s and was dancing really well in the ring. Both pugilists landed some body shots as their defence looked weak. Ankush’s counter-punches kept him in a great position. A slugfest in the end came, but Ankush still won the second round 5-0, leading the score 20-17 among four judges.
In the final round, Kim continued to counter-punch, duck, bob and weave as Ankush maintained his lead across four judges. Kim landed a few fair punches and a fast left uppercut. But his defence was weak, and he took a few body shots as well. At the end of the round, Ankush was adjudged the winner.
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