Amit Panghal's boxing career, achievements and plans for Tokyo 2020

Asian Games gold medallist Amit Panghal created history by winning a silver medal after going down fighting 0-5 to reigning Olympic gold medallist Uzbekistan's Shakhobidin Zoirov at World Boxing Championships in Russia. This silver medal was also Panghal’s maiden medal from this prestigious tournament. Despite loss, Panghal had already created history as first Indian male boxer to reach final of World Championships. Indian Boxers like Vijender Singh, Vikas Krishan, Shiva Thapa, and Gaurav Bidhuri have competed in mega event, but y were t able to secure a medal better than bronze.

Also Read l Amit Panghal: 'Landed in more clean punches; Thought I'd won Gold'

Boxing Career

In his debut, Panghal won gold at National Boxing Championships in 2017. He n went on to win a bronze in light flyweight category of 2017 Asian Amateur Boxing Championships and qualified for 2017 AIBA World Boxing Championships, where he was defeated by Uzbekistan’s Hasanboy Dusmatov in quarter-finals. 2018 was an important year for Panghal. In February, he won a gold medal at Strandzha Cup and n while competing in light flyweight category at Commonwealth Games, he won silver medal. In start of 2019, Panghal won gold at Asian Boxing Championships 2019 where he defeated Korean boxer Kim In-kyu.

Also Read l Asian Boxing Championship: Amit Panghal and Pooja Rani make India proud by striking gold; Virender Sehwag lauds duo

Also Read l Amit Panghal insists his former coach be considered for Dronacharya

Recent news

Panghal recently said in an interview that he expects a tough challenge from Asian boxers at qualifiers of Tokyo Olympics, 2020. While talking to a news ncy, he revealed that, in lower weight category, level of competition at Asian qualifiers is same as World Championships. "Most of Asian boxers win a medal at Olympics or World Championships. So it will be tough. Of course, World qualifiers will be tougher as US and European boxers will also participate," he told PTI.

Also Read l Amit Panghal makes history; 1st Indian in World Boxing C'ship final