Ankush Panghal has advanced to the semifinals of the 80 kg boxing competition at the 2026 Asian Games, a result that guarantees India at least a bronze medal, ANI News reports. Because both semifinal losers are awarded bronze in boxing, his place in the last four confirms a podium finish.
According to Rediff, this is India's first boxing medal of the current Games. The Times of India reports that Parveen Hooda has also assured India of a medal in boxing, giving the country two confirmed podium finishes in the sport.
The New Indian Express notes that Parveen was stripped of a medal at the 2022 Asian Games and has now returned to claim one. That context adds weight to India's boxing results on Day 9 of the competition.
The Indian Express, covering the day's events live, reported that Anahat Singh lost the first game of her final, while Abhay won a silver medal. Those results sit alongside the boxing news as part of India's broader showing on the day.
Panghal's semifinal bout will determine whether he competes for gold or settles for bronze. The outcome of Parveen's own semifinal will similarly decide the color of her medal. Both boxers now have a chance to upgrade their guaranteed medals with a win in the next round.
