Sumit Kundu, an Indian boxer, has staged a remarkable comeback at the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, overcoming significant personal and physical challenges to advance into the last 16 of the light middleweight (70kg) category. On the opening day of boxing at the Nishio Gymnasium, Kundu secured a unanimous decision victory over the experienced Thai boxer Bunjong Sinsiri. He is set to face Iraq’s Ali Qasim Hamdan Al-Sarray on Thursday.

The 23-year-old athlete, competing in his first Asian Games, has faced considerable hardship in reaching this stage. Originally from a small village in Haryana, northern India, Kundu began boxing at around 10 years old. However, following the sudden death of his father, financial pressures compelled him to temporarily abandon the sport and take a job as a school security guard to help support his family. His mother, working multiple jobs including night tailoring, struggled to provide sufficient meals for the household.

Encouraged by family, friends, and village elders, Kundu returned to boxing and quickly made a name for himself, winning gold medals at the 2018 National School Games and the 2019 Khelo India Games. At 18, he reached the quarter-finals of the 2021 World Championship, signaling his potential as a future boxing champion. He continued to build on that promise with a gold at the Thailand Open and a bronze at the 2022 Asian Elite Boxing Championships.

Kundu’s progress was abruptly interrupted in 2023 when he suffered severe knee injuries, including an anterior cruciate ligament tear and a meniscus injury, jeopardizing his career and causing him to miss the opportunity to compete at the Paris 2024 Olympics. After undergoing surgery and enduring 18 months of rehabilitation in Mumbai, he was at times unsure if he would return to boxing. Nonetheless, with ongoing support from his family and friends, he fought back to regain his form.

Returning to competition in 2025, Kundu earned a spot on the Indian squad for the Asian Games by winning the national trials. Having dropped from his usual 75kg weight class for these Games, he expressed confidence in his preparation and strategy, crediting his coaches for the game plan that led to his recent victory.

Sumit Kundu has pledged to win a medal at the Asian Games, dedicating his efforts to his family’s support throughout his journey. As he advances through the tournament, expectations are high for the boxer to fulfill his potential and complete what has been a challenging yet inspiring comeback story.