Amit Panghal claims gold in boxing: Asian Games 2018
Amit Panghal became the eighth Indian boxer to claim a gold medal at the Asian Games 2018. He won against reigning Olympic and Asian champion, Hasanboy Dusmatov.
Amit Panghal is a 22-year-old army man. He was the only Indian to make it to the finals. He endured 3-2 against Dusmatov who was expected to win the gold medal most. Dusmatov had beaten Panghal in a split verdict in last year’s world championship.
Asian Games 2018 was Amit Panghal’s debut. He showed immense tactical brilliance. The Haryana boxer got a great payback today for the narrow loss in Hamburg. He kept his distance from the opponent. He also landed some great right hooks and jabs.
Amit Panghal said,”I had lost to him before, so I had to take revenge. Coach Santiago and other coaches had prepared me well. In the semifinal, I did not play the first round well, here I did not repeat that mistake.” He added,”The coach asked me to get him on the counter-attack. The training in England and at the camp in India helped. I had sparred with southpaw boxers at both places. I knew how to take advantage of the uppercut.”
Dusmatov is known for his brilliant counter-attacks. But Panghal refused to fall into his trap and kept on moving continuously. This resulted in a frustrated Dusmatov. He was forced to lunge forward. This worked perfectly for Panghal’s own counter-attacking game.
Today’s win is the best achievement Amit Panghal has obtained in this ascend to the top. Last year in the Asian Championships, he won a bronze medal. That was the beginning of his unobstructed rise. Earlier this year, he also won the gold medal in India Open and the prestigious Strandja memorial in Bulgaria.
Boxing in India is looking forward to a bright future. This can be said the appearance of Vijender Singh, Vikas Krishan and now Amit Panghal. The Asian Games 2018 has been a landmark year for sports in India.
