Indian boxer Kapil Pokhariya won the bronze medal in the men's 90kg category at the Asian Games 2026 on Wednesday, losing 1-4 to reigning world champion Turabek Khabibullaev of Uzbekistan in the semifinal on his Asian Games debut.
**A tall task**
Kapil was always up against it against the experienced Uzbek, who took the initiative early with sharp combinations of jabs and hooks. The Indian defended solidly but showed little attacking intent, and Khabibullaev's quicker work — including a solid punch landed squarely on Kapil's face — kept him in control through the exchanges.
The Uzbek boxed intelligently in the closing minutes, moving around the ring and picking his moments rather than being drawn into unnecessary exchanges. Kapil could not produce the late surge he needed, and Khabibullaev closed out the bout 4-1 to reach the final.
**Rising through the ranks**
The 90kg boxer from Uttarakhand has been steadily building his reputation. He shot to national prominence with a gold at the 2025 National Games, followed by a silver at the 2026 Usti Nad Labem Grand Prix in the Czech Republic.
India's boxing contingent has already bettered its tally from the previous edition, with six medals assured compared to four in 2023. Lovlina Borgohain, Parveen Hooda and Ankush Panghal are all set to fight for gold on Friday.
**Sources:** Boxer Kapil Pokhariya Wins Bronze On Asian Games Debut (News18): https://www.news18.com/sports/other...onze-on-asian-games-debut-ws-bl-10360824.html
**A tall task**
Kapil was always up against it against the experienced Uzbek, who took the initiative early with sharp combinations of jabs and hooks. The Indian defended solidly but showed little attacking intent, and Khabibullaev's quicker work — including a solid punch landed squarely on Kapil's face — kept him in control through the exchanges.
The Uzbek boxed intelligently in the closing minutes, moving around the ring and picking his moments rather than being drawn into unnecessary exchanges. Kapil could not produce the late surge he needed, and Khabibullaev closed out the bout 4-1 to reach the final.
**Rising through the ranks**
The 90kg boxer from Uttarakhand has been steadily building his reputation. He shot to national prominence with a gold at the 2025 National Games, followed by a silver at the 2026 Usti Nad Labem Grand Prix in the Czech Republic.
India's boxing contingent has already bettered its tally from the previous edition, with six medals assured compared to four in 2023. Lovlina Borgohain, Parveen Hooda and Ankush Panghal are all set to fight for gold on Friday.
**Sources:** Boxer Kapil Pokhariya Wins Bronze On Asian Games Debut (News18): https://www.news18.com/sports/other...onze-on-asian-games-debut-ws-bl-10360824.html
