Asian Games Boxing: Tough draws await Lovlina, Narender and India's medal hopes

India’s boxing contingent has been handed a difficult route at the Asian Games, with several medal contenders drawn against Olympic and world medallists. The challenge begins with Lovlina Borgohain and Narender Berwal, who enter the competition in the quarterfinals.

Lovlina, a Tokyo Olympic bronze medallist and silver medallist from the 2023 Asian Games, will open her 75kg campaign against South Korea’s Suyeon Seong. A win would guarantee her a medal, but the semifinal could bring reigning 70kg world champion Natalya Bogdanova of Kazakhstan or Uzbekistan’s world bronze medallist Aziza Zokirova.

Narender, the only Indian male boxer to medal at the previous Asian Games, also has a quarterfinal start in the +90kg category. He faces Thailand’s Adthapong Saengtep and could then come up against reigning world champion Aibek Oralbay of Kazakhstan.

The other Indian boxers have little room for an easy start. Commonwealth Games champion Sakshi Chaudhary takes on Paris Olympic bronze medallist Aira Villegas of the Philippines in the 51kg category. Priya Ghanghas begins against South Korea’s Oh Yeonji, a former Asian Games champion and three-time Asian champion.

Preeti Pawar has received a first-round bye but could meet defending Asian Games champion Pang Chol-mi in the 54kg quarterfinals. Parveen Hooda starts her 65kg campaign against Tajikistan’s Hozimova.

Among the men, Jadumani Singh, Sachin Siwach, Sumit Kundu and Ankush Panghal have also been placed on demanding paths.

The stakes are higher than medals alone. Under the Boxing Federation of India’s selection policy, Asian Games medallists will earn direct qualification for next year’s World Championships in Kazakhstan, the first Olympic qualifying event ahead of Los Angeles 2028.ASIAN GAMES 2026: INDIA'S FULL BOXING SCHEDULE