Sand, sweat and silence: How Ankush Panghal won gold at Asian Games

Ankush Panghal, a 21-year-old Indian boxer, won gold at the Asian Games after defeating South Korea's Kim Minseong with a 4-0 split decision. Growing up in Bheria, near Hisar in Haryana, Panghal underwent rigorous training in the sand dunes near his village, remaining silent during the sessions unlike other trainees. Coach Pradeep Sawant, who nurtured Panghal's boxing career, noted that the young athlete would rarely speak, often lost in thought.

Panghal's career began with training in the 40kg category before moving to heavier weight categories, where he excelled, winning medals at the state and national levels in the sub-junior and junior categories. Notable victories include a silver at the World Boxing Cup and a win over the reigning 75kg world champion. Despite his quiet demeanor, Panghal's boxing prowess, particularly his upper cut, hook, and backhand punches, made him a formidable competitor.