Ankush Panghal's Rise from Haryana School to CWG Boxing Final

Ankush Panghal, a young boxer from Haryana, has made headlines by reaching the finals of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. With his victory over Canadian opponent Joshua Ofori, Ankush has demonstrated a remarkable combination of skill and determination. The 20-year-old southpaw has showcased a series of impressive performances, including three decisive wins prior to the final.

Ankush began his boxing career at the age of 11 in a government school in Gangwa village, Hisar district, where he trained under the guidance of coach Pradeep Sawant. Despite having limited facilities and no proper boxing ring, Ankush's dedication and discipline set him on a path to success. Pradeep highlighted Ankush's eagerness to learn and adapt, recalling how quickly he grasped techniques and improved.

His journey has been marked by significant achievements, including winning a national title at the school level when he was just 14 years old. This accomplishment earned him a stipend under the Khelo India initiative, which aims to promote sports in the country. Over the years, Ankush has continued to excel, competing at national and international levels, ultimately securing medals at both junior and senior championship events.

Ankush's recent support from the Olympic Gold Quest has further bolstered his training, allowing him to access world-class coaching at the Army Sports Institute. Coach Pradeep commented on Ankush's ability to perform under pressure, noting that he remained focused even against tough opponents.

The boxer’s father, Manoj Kumar, a farmer from Bherian village, has played a pivotal role in his son's journey. Manoj, who once competed at the state level in kabaddi, identified Ankush's potential early on and encouraged him to switch to boxing, believing it would provide greater individual opportunities.

“It gets tough sometimes as I have four kids, all of whom are involved in sports, but it has been rewarding to watch Ankush shine,” Manoj expressed. He recalled how he initially supported Ankush in kabaddi before recognising his greater potential in boxing.

As Ankush prepares for the gold medal match against Dimeji Shittu from England, the atmosphere among his fellow trainees at the academy is one of excitement and admiration. Coach Pradeep noted the supportive environment, where younger students look up to Ankush as a role model.

With his rapid ascent in the boxing world, Ankush Panghal's story embodies resilience and dedication. His performance in Glasgow is not only a testament to his personal hard work but also to the support from his family and coaches, who have consistently nurtured his talent.