Asian Boxing Championships: Preeti Pawar Defeats Olympic Medallist to Reach Finals
Synopsis
India's Preeti Pawar has stunned the competition by defeating Olympic bronze medallist Aeji Im to advance to the finals of the Asian Boxing Championships 2026. Joining her are fellow boxers Priya and Arundhati Choudhary, both of whom also secured their spots in the title bouts. The excitement continues with more semifinal matches coming up.
Key Takeaways
Preeti Pawar defeats Aeji Im to reach the finals.
Priya and Arundhati also advance to their respective finals.
Indian boxers are making a strong showing at the championships.
The finals will feature tough opponents, including three-time World Champion Huang Hsiao-wen.
Upcoming semifinal bouts add to the excitement of the event.
Ulaanbaatar, April 6 (NationPress) India's Bantamweight sensation Preeti Pawar triumphed over Aeji Im, a bronze medallist from the Paris Olympics, securing her spot in the 54kg Elite Women's final at the Asian Boxing Championships 2026 on Monday. The Indian women's contingent also saw Priya and Arundhati Choudhary advance to the finals after impressive victories in their semifinal matches held in Ulaanbaatar.
During the women's 54 kg semifinal, Preeti, the gold medallist from the World Boxing Cup Finals, exhibited an exceptional performance, maintaining dominance throughout all three rounds against Im, ultimately winning by a unanimous 5:0 decision. She is set to face Huang Hsiao-wen of Chinese Taipei, a three-time World Champion (2019, 2023, 2025) and bronze medallist from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, in a much-anticipated gold medal showdown.
In the women’s 60kg category, Priya delivered a stellar performance, decisively defeating Namuun Monkhor (MGL) with a 5-0 unanimous decision, thereby securing her place in the final where she will compete against Un Gyong Won from North Korea.
Meanwhile, in the women’s 65kg category, Ankushita Boro faced a setback, losing 0-3 to Chinese Taipei’s Nien-Chin Chen, a Paris Olympics bronze medallist, in a semifinal bout that faced a temporary halt due to a power outage after the first round, resulting in a decision based on points.
In the women’s 70kg division, Arundhati showcased her skill with a 4-1 victory over Oysha Toirova (UZB), demonstrating control and focus to advance to the final, where she will meet Bakyt Seidish from Kazakhstan.
In the women’s 51kg category, Nikhat Zareen was eliminated after a 0-5 loss to China’s Wu Yu, the reigning Olympic gold medallist and a dominant force in the division.
Finally, in the women’s 75kg category, Lovlina Borgohain suffered a 0-5 defeat to Uzbekistan’s Aziza Zokirova, a World Championships bronze medallist in the 70kg category, known for her aggressive boxing style.
In the women’s 80kg category, Pooja Rani was eliminated after a 0-5 loss to Kazakhstan’s Nadezhda Ryabets, a 2023 World Championships bronze medallist.
With four Indian boxers already confirmed in the finals, the country’s campaign continues, with two more semifinal bouts in the women’s 48kg and 57kg categories scheduled for April 7.
Point of View
The performance of India's women boxers at the Asian Boxing Championships reflects a commitment to excellence and determination. With multiple athletes reaching the finals, it showcases the growing prominence of women's boxing in India. These achievements not only inspire future generations but also underscore the nation's potential on an international stage.
NationPress
21 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who did Preeti Pawar defeat to reach the finals?
Preeti Pawar defeated Aeji Im, a bronze medallist from the Paris Olympics, to reach the finals.
Which other Indian boxers advanced to the finals?
Along with Preeti Pawar, Priya and Arundhati Choudhary also advanced to the finals.
What weight categories are the Indian boxers competing in?
The Indian boxers are competing in the 54kg, 60kg, and 70kg weight categories.
When are the next semifinal bouts scheduled?
The next semifinal bouts in the women’s 48kg and 57kg categories are scheduled for April 7.
Who will Preeti Pawar face in the finals?
Preeti Pawar will face Huang Hsiao-wen from Chinese Taipei in the finals.
