Kazakh boxer Makhmud Sabyrkhan reached the semifinals of the Asian Games 2026 in Japan and guaranteed himself at least a bronze medal. In the quarterfinals of the 55 kg weight category, he defeated Shin Jae-yeon of South Korea 3:1. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
A close bout in the quarterfinals
The fight proved to be quite close. After three rounds, three judges awarded victory to Sabyrkhan, one to the Korean boxer, and another scored it even. As a result, the Kazakh advanced to the next round.
Semifinal on September 30
Sabyrkhan's semifinal bout will take place on September 30. His opponent will be determined in the quarterfinal match between Zhang Jiamao of China and Carlo Paalam of the Philippines, the silver medalist of the 2020 Olympics.
Sabyrkhan's achievements
Sabyrkhan is a two-time world champion. He won his first world championship gold in 2023, and in 2025 he won the World Boxing championship in Liverpool. He also holds the title of 2024 Asian champion.
Other medals in the Asian Games 2026 boxing tournament
Earlier, medals in the Asian Games 2026 boxing tournament were already guaranteed by Alua Balkibekova, Natalya Bogdanova, Torekhan Sabyrkhan and Aibek Oralbay.
About the Asian Games 2026
The XX Summer Asian Games in Japan officially opened on September 19. The competitions, featuring athletes from 45 countries, will award 460 sets of medals. Kazakhstan's national team at the Asian Games 2026 includes 558 athletes in 35 sports.
Asian Games 2026 reviews: Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, Day 5, Day 6, Day 7, Day 8.