It is raining medals for India in the ongoing Commonwealth Games (CWG) 2022 edition, being held in Birmingham. On the seventh day of the showpiece event, i.e. on August 04 (Thursday), India have been assured of another medal courtesy of boxer Amit Panghal. Panghal advanced to the semi-final by thrashing Scottish boxer Lennon Mulligan (5-0) in the quarter-finals of the men's flyweight category event.

The 26-year-old Panghal, who was knocked out of Tokyo 2020 in the pre-quarterfinals,&nbsp;attained the win courtesy of a unanimous verdict. Getting the better of his opponent by relying on his defensive work, Panghal landed a few clean hits in the opening round. In&nbsp;the next round of the contest, the Indian boxer earned&nbsp;a 4:1 split decision in his favour. Panghal eliminated any chances of&nbsp;Mulligan's&nbsp;late comeback by virtue of his impressive footwork as the boxer ended the match&nbsp;via a unanimous verdict.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cwg-2022-indian-sprinter-hima-das-reaches-200-m-semifinal-with-top-spot-finish-in-heat-503596">CWG 2022: Indian sprinter Hima Das reaches 200 m semifinal with top spot finish in heat</a>

So far, India have earned several medals in weighting and boxing. Among the other boxers, the likes of&nbsp;Nikhat Zareen (50kg), Nitu Ganghas (48kg) and Mohd Hussamudin (57kg) have also reached the semi-final stage of their respective spots. Thus, the trio&nbsp;have also&nbsp;assured Team India of more medals. The major blip has come in the form of Tokyo Olympic bronze medallist Lovlina Borgohain's early exit, losing her quarter-final round at Birmingham 2022. On the other hand, Ashish Kumar also faltered and lost his bout on Wednesday (August 03).&nbsp;

Talking about Panghal, the boxer will be eager to make the most of his chances in his semi-final round and hope to return with the gold medal. After the missed opportunity in Tokyo Games, he will not settle for anything apart from a top-spot finish.

It is raining medals for India in the ongoing Commonwealth Games (CWG) 2022 edition, being held in Birmingham. On the seventh day of the showpiece event, i.e. on August 04 (Thursday), India have been assured of another medal courtesy of boxer Amit Panghal.

It is raining medals for India in the ongoing Commonwealth Games (CWG) 2022 edition, being held in Birmingham. On the seventh day of the showpiece event, i.e. on August 04 (Thursday), India have been assured of another medal courtesy of boxer Amit Panghal. Panghal advanced to the semi-final by thrashing Scottish boxer Lennon Mulligan (5-0) in the quarter-finals of the men's flyweight category event. The 26-year-old Panghal, who was knocked out of Tokyo 2020 in the pre-quarterfinals, attained the win courtesy of a unanimous verdict. Getting the better of his opponent by relying on his defensive work, Panghal landed a few clean hits in the opening round. In the next round of the contest, the Indian boxer earned a 4:1 split decision in his favour. Panghal eliminated any chances of Mulligan's late comeback by virtue of his impressive footwork as the boxer ended the match via a unanimous verdict. ALSO READ | CWG 2022: Indian sprinter Hima Das reaches 200 m semifinal with top spot finish in heat So far, India have earned several medals in weighting and boxing. Among the other boxers, the likes of Nikhat Zareen (50kg), Nitu Ganghas (48kg) and Mohd Hussamudin (57kg) have also reached the semi-final stage of their respective spots. Thus, the trio have also assured Team India of more medals. The major blip has come in the form of Tokyo Olympic bronze medallist Lovlina Borgohain's early exit, losing her quarter-final round at Birmingham 2022. On the other hand, Ashish Kumar also faltered and lost his bout on Wednesday (August 03). Talking about Panghal, the boxer will be eager to make the most of his chances in his semi-final round and hope to return with the gold medal. After the missed opportunity in Tokyo Games, he will not settle for anything apart from a top-spot finish.

CWG 2022: Boxer Amit Panghal enters semi-final with convincing win, adds to India's medal-tally

Indian boxer Amit Panghal (52kg) bowed out of the Olympics with a stunning 1-4 loss to Rio Games silver-medallist Yuberjen Martinez, beaten by the Colombian's relentless attacks and pace in the pre-quarterfinals here on Saturday.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-atanu-das-indias-final-hope-in-archery-knocked-out-in-pre-quarters-401874" hreflang="en">Tokyo 2020: Atanu Das, India's final hope in archery, gets knocked out</a>

The top-seeded Indian, who was making his debut in the Games, had got an opening-round bye. Panghal was put under pressure by the sprightly Colombian in the opening round itself but the Indian ensured that he connected better to claim the first three minutes 4-1.

But Martinez's pace should have set alarm bells ringing in the Indian corner. The Pan-American champion upped the ante in the second round, working relentlessly on Panghal's body with his uppercuts.

Panghal got little respite from the onslaught and found it tough to respond. Martinez's persistence brought him to level with the top star.

He made sure that there was no let-up in the intensity in the final three minutes and Panghal ended up being on the defensive. Despite this loss, the 25-year-old Panghal remains one of the best-performing Indian boxers in recent times, having secured a gold medal at the 2018 Asian Games, followed by an unparalleled silver medal at the world championships in 2019.

The diminutive Army man is also a three-time Asian medallist, securing a medal every time he has been at the continental showpiece. Martinez won the light flyweight silver medal in the 2016 Rio Olympics and will turn professional after the Tokyo Games.

His parents, who follow the pacifism-supporting Anglican church, were against him taking up the sport but eventually came around to support his ambitions.

On Friday, Lovlina Borgohain (69kg) became the first Indian boxer to secure a medal at the ongoing Games after advancing to the semifinals. She defeated former world champion Nien-Chin Chen of Chinese Taipei in her quarterfinal bout.

Indian boxer Amit Panghal (52kg) bowed out of the Olympics with a stunning 1-4 loss to Rio Games silver-medallist Yuberjen Martinez, beaten by the Colombian's relentless attacks and pace in the pre-quarterfinals here on Saturday.

Indian boxer Amit Panghal (52kg) bowed out of the Olympics with a stunning 1-4 loss to Rio Games silver-medallist Yuberjen Martinez, beaten by the Colombian's relentless attacks and pace in the pre-quarterfinals here on Saturday. ALSO READ: Tokyo 2020: Atanu Das, India's final hope in archery, gets knocked out The top-seeded Indian, who was making his debut in the Games, had got an opening-round bye. Panghal was put under pressure by the sprightly Colombian in the opening round itself but the Indian ensured that he connected better to claim the first three minutes 4-1. But Martinez's pace should have set alarm bells ringing in the Indian corner. The Pan-American champion upped the ante in the second round, working relentlessly on Panghal's body with his uppercuts. Panghal got little respite from the onslaught and found it tough to respond. Martinez's persistence brought him to level with the top star. He made sure that there was no let-up in the intensity in the final three minutes and Panghal ended up being on the defensive. Despite this loss, the 25-year-old Panghal remains one of the best-performing Indian boxers in recent times, having secured a gold medal at the 2018 Asian Games, followed by an unparalleled silver medal at the world championships in 2019. The diminutive Army man is also a three-time Asian medallist, securing a medal every time he has been at the continental showpiece. Martinez won the light flyweight silver medal in the 2016 Rio Olympics and will turn professional after the Tokyo Games. His parents, who follow the pacifism-supporting Anglican church, were against him taking up the sport but eventually came around to support his ambitions. On Friday, Lovlina Borgohain (69kg) became the first Indian boxer to secure a medal at the ongoing Games after advancing to the semifinals. She defeated former world champion Nien-Chin Chen of Chinese Taipei in her quarterfinal bout.

Tokyo Olympics: Indian boxer Amit Panghal bows out in the pre-quarterfinals

The Boxing Federation of India (BFI) on Monday nominated Amit Panghal along with Vikas Krishnan for the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award. Amit's rise in the world of boxing has been meteoric. From winning bronze in Asian Championship 2017, gold and silver in Asian Games 2018 and Commonwealth Games 2018 respectively, to winning gold in Asian Games and again silver in World Championship 2019, Amit has knocked out everyone with his uppercut.

The Southpaw's cumulative award points over a period of four years make him a strong contender for the prestigious award but a doping ban in 2012 make things look grim. In an exclusive interview with WION's Subhayan Chakraborty, Amit Panghal talked about Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award nomination, eligibility issue, training in lockdown, fitness, Olympic gold dream and more.&nbsp;

Subhayan Chakraborty: Amit, congratulations on the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna nomination. Big moment?

Amit Panghal:&nbsp;Definitely! It feels great and I am deeply honoured. I have been trying and fighting for Arjuna Award since the last couple of years and to now get nominated for the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna is a huge honour. And if I win it then it will be really special. It will be a massive confidence booster for me and my game.

<img alt="Amit Panghal" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="24f15ba7-ce18-4a21-8a73-d65acc0f112c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/freepressjournal_import_2018_08_amit-panghal-boxing-Asian-Games-2018.jpg" />

SC: And the eligibility issue...

AP: Hopefully, they will consider my case for the award.&nbsp;That is a crucial part. I have come a long way since then. It is not in my hands now.&nbsp;

SC: You have had a highly impactful career so far, which is the standout moment for you?

AP: Asian Games 2018 where I won the gold. Aankhein bilkul namm thi...(I was teary-eyed). And that was even more special because my basic coach Anil Dhankar was fasting that day for me. He had said 'I won't eat if Amit doesn't win the gold'. That gold-winning moment and to recall everything on the podium was special.&nbsp;

<img alt="Amit Panghal" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="148284d5-6c8d-4bac-a97b-fac4e6f5cd1b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/panghal-silver-boxing-pti%20%281%29.jpg" />

SC:&nbsp;How much hit has your game taken due to lockdown?

AP:&nbsp;I have maintained my fitness but my game has definitely taken a hit. I haven't been able to do skill-based training, which I am looking forward to resuming as lockdown continues to ease out. Hopefully, the situation will improve soon and we will be able to resume proper training. I would require around 1 month to get back to my peak fitness. Hopefully, I will be able to give my country what no other boxer has given, a gold medal.&nbsp;

SC: What&nbsp;is the next target for you?

AP: I have been winning gold and silvers on a regular basis now and I want to continue it. I want to see our national flag fly as high as possible. Olympic&nbsp;gold is something I have dreamed of and I want to achieve it for my country. I have worked hard on my game and now, as we have some more time, I will try and be the best version of myself in the Tokyo Games. Now with things opening up a bit, I will try and get back to my regular training and get back my peak fitness and rhythm.&nbsp;

The Boxing Federation of India (BFI) on Monday nominated Amit Panghal along with Vikas Krishnan for the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award. Amit's rise in the world of boxing has been meteoric.

The Boxing Federation of India (BFI) on Monday nominated Amit Panghal along with Vikas Krishnan for the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award. Amit's rise in the world of boxing has been meteoric. From winning bronze in Asian Championship 2017, gold and silver in Asian Games 2018 and Commonwealth Games 2018 respectively, to winning gold in Asian Games and again silver in World Championship 2019, Amit has knocked out everyone with his uppercut. The Southpaw's cumulative award points over a period of four years make him a strong contender for the prestigious award but a doping ban in 2012 make things look grim. In an exclusive interview with WION's Subhayan Chakraborty, Amit Panghal talked about Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award nomination, eligibility issue, training in lockdown, fitness, Olympic gold dream and more. Subhayan Chakraborty: Amit, congratulations on the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna nomination. Big moment? Amit Panghal: Definitely! It feels great and I am deeply honoured. I have been trying and fighting for Arjuna Award since the last couple of years and to now get nominated for the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna is a huge honour. And if I win it then it will be really special. It will be a massive confidence booster for me and my game. SC: And the eligibility issue... AP: Hopefully, they will consider my case for the award. That is a crucial part. I have come a long way since then. It is not in my hands now. SC: You have had a highly impactful career so far, which is the standout moment for you? AP: Asian Games 2018 where I won the gold. Aankhein bilkul namm thi...(I was teary-eyed). And that was even more special because my basic coach Anil Dhankar was fasting that day for me. He had said 'I won't eat if Amit doesn't win the gold'. That gold-winning moment and to recall everything on the podium was special. SC: How much hit has your game taken due to lockdown? AP: I have maintained my fitness but my game has definitely taken a hit. I haven't been able to do skill-based training, which I am looking forward to resuming as lockdown continues to ease out. Hopefully, the situation will improve soon and we will be able to resume proper training. I would require around 1 month to get back to my peak fitness. Hopefully, I will be able to give my country what no other boxer has given, a gold medal. SC: What is the next target for you? AP: I have been winning gold and silvers on a regular basis now and I want to continue it. I want to see our national flag fly as high as possible. Olympic gold is something I have dreamed of and I want to achieve it for my country. I have worked hard on my game and now, as we have some more time, I will try and be the best version of myself in the Tokyo Games. Now with things opening up a bit, I will try and get back to my regular training and get back my peak fitness and rhythm.

Exclusive | Khel Ratna award nomination is special, Olympic gold remains main target: Amit Panghal