Indian boxer Narender Berwal secured the silver medal in the men's +90kg category at the 2026 Asian Games after going down to reigning world champion Aibek Oralbay of Kazakhstan in the semifinal on Tuesday.
Oralbay controlled the bout from the opening bell to secure a unanimous decision victory, ending Berwal's bid for a place in the gold-medal bout. The Indian, however, adds an Asian Games silver to the Commonwealth Games silver he won earlier this year in Glasgow.
Oralbay controls opening rounds
Berwal struggled to match Oralbay's pace in the early stages, with the Kazakh using a combination of body shots and punches to the head to control the exchanges.
The Indian did find opportunities on the counter as the opening round progressed, but the judges awarded Oralbay the round 5-0.
With strong home support behind him, Oralbay continued to dictate the tempo in the second round. Berwal connected with a right hook and attempted to increase the pressure, but Oralbay again took the round unanimously to establish a commanding advantage.
Berwal pushes forward in final round
Facing a significant deficit, Berwal came out more aggressively in the final round and looked to take the fight to Oralbay.
The Indian landed more punches as Oralbay adopted a more defensive approach, but the Kazakh continued to find openings with his attacks. A strong sequence from Oralbay resulted in a standing count for Berwal before the bout resumed.
Oralbay maintained his composure through the closing exchanges to secure the unanimous decision and book his place in the gold-medal bout.
Berwal adds another major medal
The silver marks another significant international achievement for the 31-year-old Berwal, who serves as a Subedar in the Indian Army.
His latest medal comes after his silver at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, extending a strong year on the international circuit.
Berwal's medal also took India's overall Asian Games medal tally to 48, comprising five gold, 21 silver and 22 bronze medals.
Two Indians still fighting for boxing gold
India will have two boxers competing for gold after strong semifinal performances earlier on Tuesday.
Ankush Panghal defeated Uzbekistan's Fazliddin Erkinboev 4-1 in the men's 80kg semifinal and will face South Korea's Kim Min-Seong in the final.
Parveen Hooda also reached the women's 65kg final after beating China's Li Shu 5-0. She will face Chinese Taipei's Chen Nien-chin for the gold medal.
