India's Boxing Stars Preeti and Deepak Begin Strong at 2026 Asian Championships
Synopsis
In an exhilarating start to the 2026 Asian Boxing Championships, India's Preeti Pawar and Deepak achieve remarkable victories against formidable opponents, setting a powerful tone for the tournament. Discover their inspiring performances as they face tough competition in Mongolia.
Key Takeaways
Preeti Pawar won 5-0 against Kazakhstan’s Elina Bazarova.
Deepak secured a narrow victory with a 3-2 split decision over Uzbekistan’s Khavasbek Asadullaev.
The Indian team started the tournament with two wins from two matches.
The championships feature elite boxing talent from across Asia.
Key matchups and byes were announced prior to the competition.
Ulaanbaatar, March 30 (NationPress) Preeti Pawar and Deepak from India kicked off their journey at the 2026 Asian Boxing Championships in Mongolia with remarkable victories against formidable competitors on Monday.
In the women’s 54kg division, Preeti Pawar, who previously clinched gold at the World Boxing Cup Finals, showcased an exceptional performance, winning by a decisive 5-0 unanimous decision over Kazakhstan’s Elina Bazarova, a former Asian U22 champion (2025). Preeti’s well-executed strategy ensured a strong beginning to her championship run.
On the men’s side, Deepak, a silver medallist from the Boxam Elite International 2026 and bronze medallist at the Asian Youth Boxing Championships 2022, fought valiantly to secure a narrow 3-2 split decision against Uzbekistan’s Khavasbek Asadullaev. Competing against a nation renowned for its prowess in amateur boxing, Deepak exhibited remarkable tactical discipline and perseverance in a fiercely contested match.
The Indian boxing team launched their campaign flawlessly, achieving two victories out of two matches in the tournament's early stages.
The 2026 Asian Boxing Championships feature elite boxing talent from across the continent, with initial matches often proving as challenging as those in the later rounds due to the high level of competition.
On Sunday, the draw revealed key opening matchups and byes across various categories. Preeti was matched against Bazarova in the 54 kg category, while Priya faced Rimma Volossenko (KAZ) in the 60 kg.
Additionally, Minakshi is set to compete against Japan’s Yuka Sadamatsu, and Pooja Rani will take on Kazakhstan’s Nadezhda Ryabets. Notably, Nikhat Zareen, Jaismine Lamboria, Ankushita Boro, Arundhati Choudhary, Lovlina Borgohain, and Alfiya Patahan advanced without matches, according to updates from the Boxing Federation of India (BFI).
For the men, Vishvanath Suresh will start against Bekzat Ergeshov (KGZ), while Jadumani Singh is up against top seed Rui Yamaguchi (JPN) in a challenging 55 kg bout. Sachin will face Buyandalai Bayarkhuu (MGL), and Aditya Pratap Singh is set to compete against Mouda Alhawsaw (KSA). Ankush and Narender also progressed with byes, while Akash, Lokesh, and Harsh Choudhary are gearing up for significant bouts in their respective weight categories.
Point of View
The initial successes of Preeti Pawar and Deepak highlight India's growing prowess in boxing. With a commitment to excellence and resilience, these athletes exemplify the spirit of competition and the potential for further achievements in the ongoing championships.
NationPress
21 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the standout performers for India at the 2026 Asian Boxing Championships?
Preeti Pawar and Deepak emerged as standout performers, both achieving victories in their respective weight categories.
What are the categories in which India is competing?
India is competing in various weight categories including women's 54kg and men's 70kg among others.
Where are the 2026 Asian Boxing Championships being held?
The championships are being held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
What notable achievements do Preeti and Deepak have?
Preeti is a gold medallist at the World Boxing Cup Finals, while Deepak has won a silver at the Boxam Elite International and a bronze at the Asian Youth Boxing Championships.
Who else from the Indian boxing team has advanced?
Several boxers including Nikhat Zareen, Jaismine Lamboria, and Lovlina Borgohain have advanced with byes.
