During the 2017 Asian Amateur Boxing Championships held at Tashkent, he lost against Uzbekistani boxer Hasanboy Dusmatov and was left with a bronze medal. He again lost to Dusmatov in the quarterfinals of the International Boxing Association (AIBA) 2017 Championships. However, the lad from Haryana wouldn’t just settle down after two consecutive defeats and so, he trained harder.
And finally, an amateur boxer, Amit Panghal knocked down Dusmatov at the Jakarta Asian Games 2018, where he stunned the world by bringing down No.1 Light Flyweight Champion. The Uzbekistani had bagged a gold medal during the 2016 Summer Olympics and his defeat came as a big achievement for Panghal.
Born on October 16, 1995, in Haryana’s Mayna village of Rohtak district, Panghal was inspired to pursue boxing at Sir Chhotu Ram Boxing Academy by his older brother, Ajay Panghal, who is an Indian Army officer. Ajay was a former amateur boxer and he took his brother to train at coach Anil Dhankar’s academy in Gurugram’s Sector 39.
In a conversation with Mumbai Live, the 23-year-old boxer bared it all down and spoke about the people that inspired him, his greatest challenge, and his mentor.
“It felt really good! The feeling to register a victory against him after two successive defeats against him. Since I had lost twice to him, it was a do-or-die situation for me and that put me under a lot of pressure. However, I had planned very well along with my coach which played a major role in knocking Dusmatov down. I had seen his previous match videos and looked at his weaknesses, after which, I practiced the moves to counter his attacks accordingly.”
“Again. The greatest challenge was to make sure that I don’t lose to him again for the third time. My aim was to take revenge from him and win a gold for India.”
Speaking about the future of boxing, he stated that the country possesses a really bright future with the emergence of several eminent boxers. He also added that India has started bagging medals in the sport and gradually, people are giving boxing the response it deserves.
“Till now, I have always looked up to my roommate, Manoj Kumar, who has also been like a brother to me. He would always keep guiding me and tell me where I could improve myself and bring changes in my game. Also, my coach has also been a real supporter since the beginning of my career. So, these two people have and always will be my inspiration.”
With a grin on his face and a 'never back down' attitude, Amit has certainly managed to achieve what he desired for. However, the 23-year-old from Haryana now looks forward to taking up another challenge and set foot in the 75-kg category. And even if he fails, I won't be disappointed. Because I'll always remember his words,
"Agar haare to badla to lena hi hai." (Even if I lose, I will stand up and take my revenge)
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