Lovlina Borgohain's Quest for Second Olympic Medal

Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist Lovlina Borgohain has started her journey towards another medal triumph by defeating Norway's Sunniva Hofstad. Borgohain's next challenge is top-seeded Chinese boxer Li Qian. A win would guarantee her at least a bronze. India's boxing campaign has seen mixed results, with other competitors already out.

Tokyo Olympics bronze-winner Lovlina Borgohain (75kg) began her quest for a second successive Games medal confidently as she out-punched Norway's Sunniva Hofstad in her opening bout on Wednesday.

Borgohain scored a decisive 5-0 victory, setting up a crucial face-off with top-seeded Chinese boxer Li Qian on August 4. Success in this bout would ensure at least a bronze medal, adding to her Tokyo 2021 achievements in the 69kg category. Her controlled performance, marked by precision and composure, kept Hofstad at bay.

Despite aggressive clinching from her Norwegian opponent, Borgohain's tactical approach and resilience were reminiscent of her Tokyo campaign, where she stunned world champion Chen Nien-Chin. However, Borgohain faces a formidable opponent in Qian, a Tokyo silver medallist and a 2022 Asian Games gold winner. Meanwhile, India's boxing team has experienced mixed fortunes, with key athletes like Amit Panghal and Preeti Pawar already out. The focus now shifts to the debutant duo Nikhat Zareen and Nishant Dev, joining Borgohain in the quest for Olympic glory.

(With inputs from agencies.)