How did Amit Panghal perform at Tokyo Olympics? A detailed look at the Indian boxer's performance at the previous Olympic Games

Amit Panghal is an Indian Army Junior Commissioned Officer and an amateur boxer. In the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, he lost to Yuberjen Martinez of Colombia in three action-packed rounds in the 52kg (flyweight) bout by a 4:1 split verdict held at the Ryogoku Kokugikan arena.

Facing Martinez, the silver medalist from Rio 2016, Panghal displayed superior footwork from the start. He stunned his opponent with well-timed punches to win the votes of four judges in the first round.

Meanwhile, in the second round, Martinez took control over Panghal. The Indian, however, attempted to duck and sway but failed to evade the Colombian’s swings.

Amit Panghal employed some defensive tactics against Martinez. However, it did not help him as his opponent won the second round. The 28-year-old attempted a defensive approach in the final round as well but Martinez unleashed a barrage of punches against the Indian boxer.

Later on, Panghal failed to sway the judges, as his opponent continued to land more punches. Later, four judges voted for Martinez which eventually paved the way for Panghal’s exit from Tokyo 2020. Notably, four out of the five Indian male boxers who competed in the event bowed out in their respective opening rounds.

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A look at Amit Panghal's career in brief

Amit Panghal demonstrated his exceptional talent earlier, winning the gold medal in his debut appearance at the National Boxing Championships in 2017. He won the gold medal at the 2018 Asian Games in the Light Flyweight division and also clinched a silver medal at the 2019 AIBA World Boxing Championships in the Flyweight division.

Panghal has been exceptional in the Commonwealth Games as well. He secured a silver medal in the 2018 edition, while returning with a gold in 2022, both in the Light Flyweight division.

Additionally, Panghal is serving as a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) in the Indian Army, stationed in the 22nd Battalion of The Mahar Regiment since March 2018. In April 2020, he was awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal, a decoration of the Indian Armed Forces.