THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

ULAANBAATAR, APRIL 3, 2026

India’s boxing contingent delivered a commanding performance at the Asian Boxing Championships 2026, securing three assured medals as Nikhat Zareen, Priya and Preeti Pawar stormed into the semifinals with emphatic victories on Day 5 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, signalling India’s growing dominance on the continental stage.

Leading the charge, Nikhat Zareen displayed supreme authority in the women’s 51kg quarterfinal, sealing a first-round Referee Stops Contest (RSC) win over Philippines’ Xian Baguhin in a performance that highlighted her precision, speed and ring intelligence. The two-time world champion now prepares for a blockbuster semifinal clash against China’s Wu Yu, the Paris 2024 Olympic gold medallist, in what promises to be a high-intensity bout between two elite contenders.

In the women’s 60kg category, Priya impressed with her calm composure and tactical discipline, overcoming China’s Chengyu Yang by a convincing 4-1 verdict. Her ability to control the tempo and execute clean combinations under pressure underlined her medal credentials. Priya will now face Mongolia’s Namuun Monkhor in the semifinals with a coveted place in the final at stake.

Adding further momentum to India’s campaign, Preeti Pawar produced one of the most dominant performances of the day in the women’s 54kg category, dismantling Mongolia’s Munguntsetseng with a flawless 5-0 unanimous decision. The World Boxing Cup Finals gold medallist looked in complete command throughout the contest and now gears up for a gripping semifinal encounter against Korea’s Im Aeji, the Paris 2024 Olympic bronze medallist and 2025 World Championships bronze medallist.

In the men’s 70kg division, Deepak bowed out after a spirited effort, going down 1-4 to Jordan’s Zeyad Eashash in the quarterfinals despite showcasing resilience against a seasoned opponent.

With three medals already secured and finalists yet to be decided, India’s boxers continue to pack a powerful punch at the prestigious continental event. 


Photo credit: Asian Boxing