Asian Boxing C'ships 2026: Meenakshi, Jaismine power India to semifinals clean sweep

Ulaanbaatar [Mongolia], April 5 (ANI): The Indian women's boxing contingent continued their impressive showing on Day 7 of the Asian Boxing Championships 2026, with Meenakshi and Jaismine storming to unanimous victories in the morning session in Mongolia.

The pair's wins ensured the entire Indian women's team occupied a medal-winning spot each ahead of the semifinals, according to a release. On the other side, triumphs for Lokesh, Akash, and Harsh Choudhary confirmed six berths for Indian men's pugilists in the semis.

In the women's 48kg category, Meenakshi produced a composed and commanding display to defeat Japan's Yuka Sadamatsu by a unanimous 5-0 decision, controlling the bout with sharp combinations and ring awareness. Jaismine matched that intensity in the 57kg division, outclassing China's Ziyi Chen with an equally dominant 5-0 verdict to book her place in the semifinals.

The results capped a flawless run for the Indian women so far, with every boxer occupying a medal-winning spot and reinforcing the squad's depth and consistency at the continental stage.

In the men's section, Lokesh (85kg) booked his place in the next round with a clinical 5-0 win over Korea's Gichae Kim, showcasing control and precision throughout the bout. Akash followed with a dominant 5-0 victory against Turkmenistan's Yhlas Bagtyyarov, while Harsh Choudhary delivered a strong performance to overcome the Kyrgyz Republic's Tynystan Alybaev and move into the semifinals.

India now has six boxers in the men's semifinals, underlining a solid all-round showing across categories. Ankush (80kg), however, bowed out after a loss to Jordan's Hussein Iashaish.

With multiple semifinal bouts ahead, India's campaign continues to gather momentum at the Asian Championships. (ANI)

(This content is sourced from a syndicated feed and is published as received. The Tribune assumes no responsibility or liability for its accuracy, completeness, or content.)