Asian Games: Preeti’s 54kg campaign ends against Pang Chol-mi

Commonwealth Games champion Preeti lost 0-5 to North Korea’s two-time world champion Pang Chol-mi in the women’s 54kg round of 16 at the Asian Games. India’s Sachin advanced to the quarterfinals with a 4-1 win over Jordan’s Mohammad Abu Jajeh

Nishio: Commonwealth Games 2026 champion Preeti on Friday lost to two-time world champion Pang Chol-mi of North Korea in the women’s 54kg round of 16 at the Nishio Gymnasium here.

The Indian pugilist, a bronze medallist at the Hangzhou Asian Games, was outclassed by Chol-mi, who won the bout by a unanimous 5-0 decision.

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Preeti entered the bout after receiving a first-round bye, while Chol-mi had defeated Indonesia’s Nabila Maharani in her round-of-32 clash.

Chol-mi dominated from the opening round and did not allow Preeti to settle into her rhythm. The North Korean won the first round unanimously and maintained her dominance in the second, securing another 5-0 verdict.

Preeti attempted a comeback in the final round, but Chol-mi remained in control, picking her punches well and continuing to trouble the Indian. She won the third round 5-0 to complete a unanimous victory.

Earlier, India’s Sachin advanced to the quarterfinals after defeating former Asian champion and World Championships bronze medallist Mohammad Abu Jajeh of Jordan by a 4-1 split decision in the men’s round of 16.

Sachin, who won the Commonwealth Games 2026 gold medal, received two 30-27 cards and two 29-28 cards, while one judge scored the bout 29-28 in favour of Abu Jajeh.

The Indian won the opening round by a narrow 3-2 margin after a slow start. He landed his punches more precisely in the second round to take it 4-1, before the Jordanian tried to step up the pressure in the third. Sachin held his composure and won the round 4-1 to seal the bout by the same margin.

Sachin will next face World Championships bronze medallist Shunsuke Kitamoto in the quarterfinals as he bids for his maiden Asian Games medal.