New Delhi, India March 29: India’s boxing contingent is set for action as the Asian Boxing Championships 2026 commence on Sunday, with the official draw confirming key opening bouts and first-round byes across multiple weight divisions.
In the women’s events, Preeti Pawar will begin her 54 kg campaign against Kazakhstan’s Elina Bazarova, while Priya faces another Kazakh boxer, Rimma Volossenko, in the 60 kg category. Minakshi has been drawn against Japan’s Yuka Sadamatsu in the 48 kg division, and Pooja Rani will clash with Kazakhstan’s Nadezhda Ryabets in the 80 kg bout.
A number of India’s top female boxers have advanced directly to the next round after receiving byes. This includes world champion Nikhat Zareen (51 kg), Jaismine Lamboria (57 kg), Ankushita Boro (65 kg), Arundhati Choudhary (70 kg), Olympic medallist Lovlina Borgohain (75 kg), and Alfiya Patahan (80+ kg).
On the men’s side, Vishvanath Suresh (50 kg) opens against Kyrgyzstan’s Bekzat Ergeshov, while Jadumani Singh faces a formidable challenge as he takes on top-seeded Rui Yamaguchi of Japan in the 55 kg division. Sachin (60 kg) meets Buyandalai Bayarkhuu of Mongolia, Aditya Pratap Singh (65 kg) is drawn against Saudi Arabia’s Mouda Alhawsaw, and Deepak (70 kg) begins against Uzbekistan’s Khavasbek Asadullaev.
In the middle and heavier divisions, Akash (75 kg) is set to meet Turkmenistan’s Yhlas Bagtyyarov, Lokesh (85 kg) faces Kim Gichae of South Korea, and Harsh Choudhary (90 kg) takes on Kyrgyzstan’s Tynystan Alybaev. Ankush (80 kg) and Narender (90+ kg) have progressed to the next round with byes.
With matchups confirmed, Team India will look to make a strong start as the continental championship gets underway.
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