Ankush Panghal wins boxing gold for India at Asian Games 2026; First since Amit Panghal

Indian wrestler Sujeet Kalkal clinched India's first wrestling gold medal at the 2026 Asian Games after defeating Tajikistan's Abdulmazhid Kudiev in the men's 65kg final on Friday. Despite trailing 2-9 in the second period, Kalkal managed to turn the tide and secure a 10-9 victory. With just one minute and 15 seconds remaining, Kalkal's lead had dwindled to 6-9, but a crucial takedown brought the score to 8-9.

As time ticked down to 50 seconds, Kalkal executed another takedown, clinching the memorable gold medal. This triumph follows in the footsteps of Indian wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Yogeshwar Dutt, who had previously won gold in the same weight category during the 2014 and 2018 Asian Games. Kalkal's victory also serves as a morale booster for Indian wrestlers, coming just months after they failed to win a single gold at the 2023 Asian Games held in Hangzhou. Kalkal had earlier triumphed over Kudiev in the Asian Championships this year.