India assured three medals at the Asian Boxing Championships 2026, as Nikhat Zareen, Priya, and Preeti Pawar delivered commanding performances to storm into the semifinals on Day 5 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
Leading India’s charge, Nikhat Zareen was in complete control in the women’s 51kg quarterfinal, sealing a first-round RSC victory over Xian Baguhin of the Philippines. The reigning star will now face her toughest challenge yet against China’s Wu Yu, the Paris 2024 Olympic gold medallist, in the semifinals.
In the women’s 60kg category, Priya showcased composure and tactical maturity to outclass China’s Chengyu Yang 4-1, continuing her impressive run in the tournament. She is set to take on Mongolia’s Namuun Monkhor next, with a place in the final at stake.
Meanwhile, Preeti Pawar produced one of the most clinical performances of the day in the women’s 54kg category, registering a dominant 5-0 unanimous decision win over Mongolia’s Munguntsetseng. The World Boxing Cup Finals gold medallist will next face Korea’s Im Aeji, a Paris 2024 Olympic bronze medallist and 2025 World Championships bronze winner, in a highly anticipated semifinal clash.
However, it was disappointment in the men’s 70 kg category as Deepak bowed out after a 1-4 loss to Jordan’s Zeyad Eashash in the quarterfinals.
Earlier, in the men’s 65kg division, reigning national champion Aditya continued his strong form with a convincing 5-0 win over Saudi Arabia’s Mousa Alhawsaw. He will now face Uzbekistan’s Abdulloh Madaminov in what promises to be a closely fought contest.
With three medals already secured and multiple boxers still in contention for a place in the finals, India’s campaign continues to gather momentum at the continental showpiece.