Asian Games 2026 Ankush Panghal: 80kg Semifinal Date, Time, Opponent, Live Streaming, TV Channel & Where to Watch

Ankush Panghal delivered a commanding performance on his Asian Games debut, securing India’s first boxing medal at the ongoing competition. The Commonwealth Games gold medallist defeated Tajikistan’s Nekruz Salimov 5-0 by unanimous decision in the men’s 80kg quarterfinal on Sunday, booking his place in the semifinals and guaranteeing himself at least a bronze medal. Panghal controlled the contest from the opening bell, using sharp combinations and effective movement to keep Salimov under pressure while limiting the Tajik boxer’s opportunities to land clean counters.

Panghal took all three rounds on the judges’ scorecards, maintaining his composure even as Salimov tried to change the pace of the fight. After establishing an early advantage with accurate straight punches and hooks, the Indian continued to dictate the exchanges in the second round before managing his energy in the final three minutes. Salimov managed to land a few shots late, but Panghal had already built a decisive lead and comfortably saw out the bout. The victory sends him into the last four and makes him the first Indian boxer to secure a medal at the 2026 Asian Games.

Following his impressive 5-0 quarterfinal win over Tajikistan’s Nekruz Salimov, Indian boxer Ankush Panghal has booked his place in the men’s 80kg semifinals at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games. Panghal will return to the ring on Tuesday, September 29, with his semifinal scheduled to begin from 9:30 AM IST. His opponent is yet to be confirmed and will be decided after the remaining quarterfinal bouts in the 80kg bracket are completed.

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Ankush Panghal’s men’s 80kg semifinal at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games will be available to viewers in India and several international markets on Tuesday, September 29. In India, fans can follow the bout live on Sony Sports Ten channels, with English coverage on Ten 1, Ten 2 and Ten 5, Hindi coverage on Ten 3, and Tamil, Telugu and Kannada coverage on Ten 4. DD Sports will also provide coverage through DD Free Dish, while Sony LIV will stream the action online for subscribers.

Viewers outside India can also follow the semifinal through the respective regional rights holders. Willow TV and Sling TV will carry coverage in the United States and Canada, while MeWatch offers streaming in Singapore. Fans in South Korea can follow the event through KBS, MBC and SBS, with RTM and RTM Klik covering Malaysia, CCTV5 and its streaming platforms available in China, and VTV Go providing access in Vietnam.