Jadumani Singh defeats Nepal’s Chandra Bahadur Thapa in Asian Games men’s 55kg

Jadumani Singh defeated Chandra Bahadur Thapa in the men’s 55kg round of 32 at the Asian Games 2026 at the Nishio Gymnasium in Aichi-Nagoya on Tuesday, September 22. The Indian boxer controlled the contest from the outset.

Jadumani, a silver medallist at the 2026 Commonwealth, made his Asian Games debut at the Nishio Gymnasium in Aichi-Nagoya. He was more accurate with his punches than his Nepalese opponent and established an early advantage. The bout formed part of the men's 55kg opening round at the tournament.

Judges awarded Jadumani a 5-0 unanimous decision after he dominated the exchanges. He won the first two rounds 4-1 each on the scorecards. As Chandra Bahadur Thapa tired, Jadumani increased pressure and landed sustained blows, including a strong left hook that forced a standing count.

The victory confirmed Jadumani’s place in the men’s 55kg round of 16 and represented a successful debut at the Asian Games. His progression advances India’s presence in the boxing competition at the event. The win came in the round of 32 stage of the tournament.

Earlier on Tuesday morning, India’s Sakshi Chaudhary produced an upset by beating the Philippines’ Aira Villegas in the women’s 51kg round of 32. Sakshi secured a 5-0 unanimous decision to move into the pre-quarterfinals. Villegas, a bronze medallist at the Paris 2024 Olympics, struggled to counter Sakshi’s reach and height.

Jadumani will face the Philippines’ Carlo Paalam in the men’s 55kg round of 16, while Sakshi Chaudhary is set to meet Kazakhstan’s Alua Balkibekova in the women’s 51kg pre-quarterfinals. India’s medal tally stands at 7 medals—1 gold, 4 silver, and 2 bronze.