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Sports
Uttarakhand Havaldar Kapil Pokhariya Wins Bronze at 2026 Asian Games
✍️ Times of India
🗓 30 Oct 2026, 06:49 AM
👁 14
Inspired by WWE star Roman Reigns, Indian Army Havaldar Kapil Pokhariya from Uttarakhand won bronze in the men's 90kg boxing category at the 2026 Asian Games.
Havaldar Kapil Pokhariya, an Indian Army soldier from a small village in Uttarakhand, has made history by securing a bronze medal in the men's 90kg category at the 2026 Asian Games. His journey to the podium is marked by unconventional training methods and a deep inspiration from professional wrestling.
Known locally by the nickname 'Khatima ka Russell' due to his powerful punching style, Pokhariya cites WWE superstar Roman Reigns as a key influence on his aggressive boxing technique. Unlike traditional athletes, he began his training by punching homemade bags filled with soil from the local mountains, a testament to his resourcefulness in a rural setting.
The boxer’s path to international success was supported by his father and his disciplined service in the Indian Army. Now, with a significant Asian Games medal in his pocket, Pokhariya is focused on the next major milestone: achieving Olympic glory for India.
Known locally by the nickname 'Khatima ka Russell' due to his powerful punching style, Pokhariya cites WWE superstar Roman Reigns as a key influence on his aggressive boxing technique. Unlike traditional athletes, he began his training by punching homemade bags filled with soil from the local mountains, a testament to his resourcefulness in a rural setting.
The boxer’s path to international success was supported by his father and his disciplined service in the Indian Army. Now, with a significant Asian Games medal in his pocket, Pokhariya is focused on the next major milestone: achieving Olympic glory for India.