India’s campaign at the Asian Boxing Championships 2026 gathered significant momentum on Day 5 in Ulaanbaatar, as three of the country’s leading women boxers Nikhat Zareen, Priya, and Preeti Pawar advanced to the semifinals, thereby confirming at least three medals for the contingent.
In a tournament known for its depth and competitiveness, India’s women once again underlined their growing stature on the continental stage, delivering a mix of dominance, tactical control, and composure under pressure.
Leading the charge was Nikhat Zareen in the women’s 51kg category, where the reigning world champion produced one of the most commanding performances of the day. Facing Xian Baguhin of the Philippines in the quarterfinal, Nikhat wasted little time in asserting her authority.
From the opening bell, she dictated the pace with sharp combinations, precise footwork, and relentless pressure. Her control was so overwhelming that the bout was stopped in the first round via RSC (Referee Stops Contest), handing Nikhat a comprehensive victory.
The result not only secured her a medal but also sent a strong signal to the rest of the field. However, the road ahead gets significantly tougher. In the semifinal, Nikhat will face China’s Wu Yu, the Paris 2024 Olympic gold medallist—arguably one of the most formidable opponents in the division.
The clash promises to be a high-quality tactical battle, with both boxers known for their speed, ring intelligence, and finishing ability.
Priya continues impressive run
In the women’s 60kg category, Priya extended her strong run in the tournament with a composed 4-1 victory over China’s Chengyu Yang. Unlike Nikhat’s explosive finish, Priya’s win was built on discipline and strategic execution. She controlled the distance effectively, used her jab to disrupt rhythm, and capitalised on scoring opportunities across rounds. Against a technically sound opponent, Priya maintained consistency, which proved decisive in the judges’ scoring.
This victory marks a significant step forward in her campaign, especially considering the quality of opposition at this stage of the tournament. She now faces Mongolia’s Namuun Monkhor in the semifinal, a bout that will test her adaptability and ability to handle local crowd pressure.
A win here would not only secure a place in the final but also further establish Priya as one of India’s emerging contenders in the weight category.
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Preeti Pawar, competing in the women’s 54kg category, arguably delivered the most technically complete performance among the Indian trio. The World Boxing Cup Finals gold medallist showcased her class with a flawless 5-0 unanimous decision win over Mongolia’s Munguntsetseng.
From the outset, Preeti controlled the tempo of the bout, combining defensive awareness with precise counter-attacking. Her ability to read her opponent and adjust mid-bout ensured that she remained in control throughout all three rounds.
The unanimous verdict reflected her superiority, as she outboxed her opponent across all parameters—clean punches, ring generalship, and defensive efficiency.
However, like Nikhat, Preeti faces a stern challenge in the semifinal. She will take on Korea’s Im Aeji, a Paris 2024 Olympic bronze medallist and 2025 World Championships bronze medallist. The matchup is expected to be one of the most closely contested bouts of the tournament, given the pedigree and experience of both fighters.
Deepak exits after quarterfinal defeat
While the women’s contingent celebrated success, there was disappointment in the men’s 70kg category. Deepak bowed out in the quarterfinals after a 1-4 defeat to Jordan’s Zeyad Eashash.
Despite showing moments of intent, Deepak struggled to match the consistency and scoring efficiency of his opponent. The loss ends his campaign just short of a medal, but his overall performance in the tournament reflects promise and competitiveness at the continental level.
With three medals already assured, India’s campaign at the Asian Boxing Championships 2026 is shaping up as another strong outing, particularly in women’s boxing, which continues to be a cornerstone of the country’s international success.
The upcoming semifinal bouts will be crucial, not just for medal colour but also for assessing India’s readiness against the very best in Asia. With opponents including Olympic and World Championship medallists, the challenges ahead are significant.
However, the performances so far suggest that India’s boxers are well-prepared, both technically and mentally, to compete at the highest level. As the tournament progresses into its निर्णायक phase, all eyes will be on Nikhat, Priya, and Preeti to see if they can convert their assured medals into gold and further elevate India’s standing on the continental boxing stage.
