Glasgow [Scotland], August 2 (ANI): Indian boxer Ankush Panghal described his gold medal victory in the Commonwealth Games 2026 as a special achievement, saying he had to overcome early pressure after falling 5-0 behind in the first round.
He credited his fighting spirit for helping him turn the bout around and secure the win. Panghal thanked his supporters and dedicated the medal to his family and the entire nation.
Panghal ensured India’s golden run continued by defeating England’s Dimeji Shittu 4-1 by split decision to win the men’s 80kg title.
“It feels great to have won the gold medal. But during the bout, my morale took a bit of a hit. I was down 5-0 in the first round, so I felt some pressure… but I managed to win the bout somehow. I also want to thank those who came to support me. This medal is for them… I’m dedicating the medal to my entire family and the whole of India,” Panghal told ANI.
The 22-year-old from Haryana overcame a difficult opening round in which Shittu enjoyed the upper hand. The English boxer continued to attack aggressively early on, but Ankush gradually wrested control of the contest with clever movement, sharp backhand punches and disciplined defence.
Momentum swung firmly in the Indian’s favour in the closing stages, while Shittu also suffered a point deduction, much to the displeasure of the home crowd. Ankush finished the stronger boxer and deservedly earned the judges’ verdict to become India’s seventh boxing gold medallist of the Games.
The youngster enjoyed a flawless campaign in Glasgow, recording unanimous victories over Antigua and Barbuda’s Zalaan Jan, Seychelles’ Jade Micock and Canada’s Joshua Ofori before overcoming Shittu in the final. (ANI)
Related reading
