Asian Boxing Championships 2026: India Secures Three Medals as Nikhat, Priya, and Preeti Reach Semifinals
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Ulaanbaatar, April 3 (NationPress) India has guaranteed three medals at the Asian Boxing Championships 2026, thanks to the outstanding performances of Nikhat Zareen, Priya, and Preeti Pawar, who have all advanced to the semifinals on Day 5 of the event.
Leading the charge, Nikhat demonstrated complete dominance in the women’s 51kg quarterfinal, securing a first-round RSC victory against Xian Baguhin from the Philippines. She now prepares for a challenging semifinal match against Wu Yu from China, the reigning Olympic gold medallist for Paris 2024.
In the women’s 60kg division, Priya displayed remarkable composure and strategic acumen, defeating Chengyu Yang of China with a score of 4-1, thereby extending her impressive tournament run. Her next opponent will be Mongolia’s Namuun Monkhor as she aims for a spot in the finals.
Meanwhile, Preeti Pawar, who clinched gold at the World Boxing Cup Finals, showcased an exceptional performance in the women’s 54kg category, outclassing Munguntsetseng from Mongolia with a decisive 5-0 unanimous decision.
Preeti is set for a tough semifinal bout against Im Aeji from Korea, who has earned bronze medals at both the Paris 2024 Olympics and the 2025 World Championships.
In the men's 70kg category, Deepak faced elimination after a 1-4 defeat to Zeyad Eashash from Jordan in the quarterfinals.
With three medals already secured and the potential for more, India's campaign is rapidly gaining momentum at this prestigious continental event.
Earlier on Thursday, in the men's 65kg division, national champion Aditya dominated his match against Mousa Alhawsaw from Saudi Arabia, achieving a unanimous decision victory of 5-0 while displaying exceptional control and technique.
Aditya, who recently won gold at the 9th Elite Men’s National Boxing Championship held in January, will face Uzbekistan’s Abdulloh Madaminov in what promises to be an exciting showdown.