Ankush Panghal of Hisar gained a gold medal on the Scotland Commonwealth Video games- 2026. On Thursday, he was welcomed with garlands of foreign money notes upon reaching his ancestral village, Bheria. His sister Neelam drove an open jeep to his village, 25 kilometers from Hisar.
Ankush was using in the identical jeep. He was welcomed at numerous locations all through the journey. Villagers danced to the beats of drums and fireworks had been set off. In a dialog with Dainik Bhaskar, 20-year-old Ankush Panghal stated, “I wore boxing gloves for the primary time on the age of 11.”
At the moment, buddies coaching with him used to tease him by calling him ‘dwarf’ due to his quick peak. Slowly, he struggled, and as he began profitable extra medals, his buddies stopped teasing him. When he misplaced his first State Boxing Championship, his father supported him. Upon reaching the village, his father hosted a feast for all the village within the night.
Upon reaching Hisar, relations welcomed Ankush and coach Pradeep by presenting them with turbans.
Within the Commonwealth Video games, Ankush Panghal gained the gold medal within the 80 kg weight class by defeating England’s Dimeji Shittu 4-1. After trailing within the first spherical of the match, Ankush made a spectacular comeback. He gained his first Commonwealth medal by touchdown a number of glorious punches within the second and third rounds.
Learn Q&A
Query: Did you concentrate on profitable the Commonwealth remaining?
Reply: I undoubtedly thought of gold even earlier than departing from right here. All through this event, my total focus was on my punches and the coach’s directions. Once I reached the ultimate after profitable the semi-final, I assumed, now I’ve to win gold for the nation. Now, I really feel proud and blissful after profitable a gold medal for the nation. My aim going ahead is to maintain bringing such medals for the nation on worldwide platforms.
Query: When did you begin boxing?
Reply: I began boxing in 2017. At the moment, I used to be 11 years previous. On the primary day, I did not even know how you can put on boxing gloves. Seniors helped me placed on the gloves. After that, once I stepped into the ring, I felt a bit of nervous, however the coach stated – you are able to do it. After that, coaching started.
Query: To whom would you wish to attribute this victory?
Reply: In childhood, my father (Suresh) used to take me 15 kilometers away for boxing apply. My father would come again with me. At the moment, many individuals used to say, “The kid remains to be younger, why are you making him apply at such a younger age?” My father ignored them and continued the apply.
Query: Did you face any struggles throughout sports activities?
Reply: I performed my first State Boxing Championship in 2018. I misplaced within the remaining. After that sport, I used to be so upset that I began enthusiastic about quitting the game. After that, my father and coach Pradeep supported me. After that, I re-entered the boxing ring and began working exhausting once more.
Query: What’s the subsequent aim after Commonwealth Video games 2026?
Reply: My subsequent goal is the Asian Video games occurring subsequent month. Now, after a bit of relaxation, I’ll begin coaching for the Asian Video games. Successful a gold medal for the nation there’s additionally at present in focus. I’ve additionally mentioned coaching with the coach for this. Subsequent yr there will probably be a World Championship. After profitable that, I’ll get an Olympic ticket. After the Asian Championship, my total focus will probably be on this.
Additionally learn: ‘Setbacks outnumbered victories’, says Arundhati: By no means gave up and went on to win Commonwealth gold; father informed her, ‘Boxing is your ardour, not your compulsion’
Query: How did you get into sports activities, and the way did you deal with your quick peak?
Reply: Sure, my sister Neelam can be concerned in sports activities. She practices boxing and taking pictures. It was after seeing Neelam that I made a decision to make a profession in boxing. Initially, my peak was quick. Throughout this time, some teammates additionally made enjoyable of me. Nonetheless, as my peak progressively elevated, my confidence additionally boosted.
Query: What do you must say about Haryana’s sports activities coverage?
Reply: The Haryana authorities is doing good work for sports activities and sportspersons. After profitable medals, money prizes and authorities jobs are additionally offered. Some amenities must be elevated in native stadiums, which can encourage the brand new technology to maneuver in direction of sports activities.
Ankush’s coach Pradeep Sawant.
‘Sport seemed good on the very first day’: Pradeep Sawant
Ankush’s coach Pradeep Sawant stated, “I appreciated Ankush’s sport on the very first day. From the start, Ankush has been very severe about sports activities. Earlier than the ultimate within the Commonwealth Video games, we had deliberate to deal with the boxers from England and Canada.”
“Earlier than this, Ankush had misplaced to the English boxer within the World Boxing Cup. After that, we ready completely. Even earlier than the ultimate, I spoke with Ankush for a number of hours. He performed utterly in response to the sport plan. That is the outcome that the nation obtained one other gold medal,” Pradeep concluded.
In celebration of Ankush profitable the gold medal, his father Suresh hosted a feast for all the village.
Father hosted a feast for all the village
In celebration of profitable the gold medal on the Commonwealth Video games, Ankush’s father Suresh hosted a feast for all the village on Thursday night. A big marquee was arrange within the courtyard. The feast included 5 sorts of dishes, which comprised desi ghee ladoos, particular barfi, rasgullas, and jalebi.
