India boxers begin Asian Championships campaign in Mongolia

India’s boxing team will begin its Asian Championships campaign in Mongolia with several key opening bouts confirmed. While some boxers face tough opponents, leading names including Nikhat Zareen and Lovlina Borgohain have received byes in their respective categories

Hyderabad: India’s boxing contingent is set to begin its campaign as the Asian Boxing Championships 2026 get underway in Mongolia on Monday, with the draw confirming key opening bouts and byes across categories.

In the women’s draw, Preeti Pawar will face Elina Bazarova (KAZ) in the 54 kg category, while Priya takes on Rimma Volossenko (KAZ) in 60 kg. Minakshi will face Japan’s Yuka Sadamatasu (JPN), while Pooja Rani goes up against Kazakhstan’s Nadezhda Ryabets (KAZ). Meanwhile, Nikhat Zareen, Jaismine Lamboria, Ankushita Boro, Arundhati Choudhary, Lovlina Borgohain and Alfiya Patahan advance with byes.

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On the men’s side, Vishvanath Suresh opens against Bekzat Ergeshov (KGZ), while Jadumani Singh faces top seed Rui Yamaguchi (JPN) in a tough 55 kg bout. Sachin will take on Buyandalai Bayarkhuu (MGL), Aditya Pratap Singh faces Mouda Alhawsaw (KSA) and Deepak meets Khavasbek Asadullaev (UZB). Ankush and Narender progress with byes, while Akash, Lokesh and Harsh Choudhary are also set for key bouts in their respective categories.

With the match-ups confirmed, India will look to make a strong start as the competition begins on Monday.