Asian Games 2026: Indian boxer Sumit began his campaign in the men’s 70kg category of the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya by beating Thailand’s Bunjong Sinsiri by unanimous decision to go to the Round of 16. It was a watershed moment for India's boxing delegation in the continental multi-sport event.
The Thai boxer Sinsiri (2023 Asian Games bronze medallist and Paris Olympian) was among others. Sumit gradually settled into the contest and started to get his rhythm as the match moved along. The Indian boxer won against Sinsiri and passed through the first round.
The first round was very close and Sinsiri was determined to put pressure on Sumit from the beginning. Sumit was awarded 4-1 in the first round according to the score, and continued to act as directed. The early pressure and his ability to remain calm and disciplined were key factors in winning unanimous decisions.
The result sends Sumit to the men's 70kg Round of 16 and will help keep him going in the boxing competition. India's boxing team consists of many players in the men's and women's weight categories and Sumit Kundu is in the men's 70kg category.
The Asian Games are an important stage for Indian boxers, particularly since the competition has many of the continent’s top fighters on board. The men’s 70kg draw has also attracted attention because Sumit has the potential to face strong international competition. Kazakhstan’s Torekhan Sabyrkhan could be a major challenge for him in the tournament, Indian Express said.
For Sumit, the focus now turns to the next stage. As he goes from the preliminary round he will get to compete for a better position in the tournament. Boxing in the Asian Games has a knockout structure for the later stages, so every match is important for players to make it to the medal rounds.
The victory also adds to the growing attention on India's boxing campaign at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. India's contingent comprises boxers in men's and women's categories including Jadumani Singh in the men's 55kg division, Sachin Siwach in men's 60kg, Sumit Kundu in men's 70kg, Ankush in men's 80kg, Kapil Pokhariya in men's 90kg and Narender Berwal in the men's heavyweight category.
In addition to the Asian Games, good performances at the tournament will have an important impact on Indian boxing. According to the track of the tournament, medallists at the Asian Games will be immediately qualified for the 2027 World Championships in Kazakhstan and this will be one of the pathways to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
Sumit's win over Sinsiri therefore gives him a good start as he continues his campaign in the 70kg category. Now the Indian boxer will take the confidence gained from his first fight and move onto the next stage of the tournament.
After clearing this initial hurdle, Sumit will now focus on Round 16 and the next big hurdle on his Asian Games journey. His first victory means India's men's 70kg campaign is still alive as the boxing events continue in Aichi-Nagoya.
