Asian Games: Ankush Panghal stuns Uzbek world champion to reach gold-medal bout
Indian boxer Ankush Panghal advanced to the men's 80kg gold-medal bout at the Asian Games after a comeback victory against world champion Fazliddin Erkinboev. Parveen Hooda also secured a spot in the women's 65kg final.
Why it matters
The success of Indian boxers at the Asian Games highlights the country's growing competitiveness in international combat sports.
NEW DELHI: India’s Ankush Panghal produced a stirring comeback to stun reigning world champion Fazliddin Erkinboev of Uzbekistan and storm into the men’s 80kg gold-medal bout at the Asian Games on Tuesday.Ankush was up against it after dropping the opening round. But the Indian boxer fought back in the second. He then turned the semifinal on its head with a commanding final round, sweeping all five judges’ cards to seal the 4-1 victory.The win sends Ankush into the final and gives India another chance to add to its boxing medal tally. His performance was built on a strong finish after a difficult start, as he stayed in the contest and raised his intensity when the bout was on the line.Asian Games Full Coverage | Medal Tally | ScheduleAnkush turns the tide after losing opening roundThe semifinal began with Fazliddin taking control, earning a 4-1 verdict in the first round.
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