Hisar: Eight years after a heartbreaking defeat in his first state championship final left him on the verge of quitting boxing, Haryana’s Ankush Panghal scripted a remarkable comeback by winning the Commonwealth Games gold medal in the men’s 80kg category.The 22-year-old boxer from Bherian village in Hisar defeated England’s Dimeji Shittu in the final to cap the biggest triumph of his career. He had earlier outclassed Canada’s Joshua Ofori 5-0 in the semi-final.Panghal’s journey has been defined by perseverance. He took up boxing at the age of 11 after being inspired by his elder siblings. Coach Praveen Sawant spotted his potential and persuaded his father, Suresh Panghal, to back the youngster despite concerns over his slight build. His father travelled nearly 15 km every day to take him to training.The turning point came in 2018 when Panghal lost the final of his first state championship and decided to quit the sport. His father and coach, however, convinced him to return to the ring. “After losing the state final, he was so disheartened that he wanted to leave boxing. We kept telling him that defeats are temporary and he would achieve something much bigger if he stayed focused,” his father said.The advice paid off. Panghal steadily climbed the ranks, winning national and international honours before striking Commonwealth gold.Training twice a day, he built a reputation for his sharp counter-attacking style, with his right straight and left hook becoming his trademark punches. His composed display throughout the Games culminated in the biggest medal of his career.Celebrations broke out in Bherian village after the victory, with family members and residents hailing Panghal’s achievement as another milestone in Haryana’s rich boxing tradition.
