Lovlina, Ankush, Parveen chase gold as India improves boxing performance

India’s boxing contingent delivered a stronger performance at the Asian Games in Aichi‑Nagoya, according to BFI chief Ajay Singh. The squad earned six medals across eleven events, a clear upgrade from the previous Games where four medals came from thirteen events.

While Priya Ghanghas, Narendra and Kapil Pokharia each settled for bronze after semifinal losses, the spotlight shifted to the three Indian fighters who made it to the finals. Lovlina Borgohain edged past Kazakhstan’s Natalia Bogdanova 3‑2 to book her place in the women’s 75 kg final. Ankush Dahiya and Parveen Hooda also advanced, positioning India for a possible triple‑gold finish on October 2.

Singh highlighted the significance of the three finals appearances, noting that “Asian Games boxing is almost a rehearsal for the Olympics.” He expressed optimism that the same level of performance could be mirrored at the Paris Olympics, reinforcing India’s rising stature in the sport.

The bronze‑medal outcomes were hard‑fought: Priya was outpointed 1‑4 by China’s Yang Chengyu, Narendra was shut out 0‑5 by world champion Orlov of Kazakhstan, and Kapil lost 1‑4 to Uzbekistan’s Turabek Khabybulloyev. Despite these setbacks, the overall medal haul and the presence of three finalists illustrate a notable step forward for Indian boxing.

BFI officials now focus on converting the finals into gold medals, a result that would further boost the country’s confidence heading into the Olympic cycle.