I'm reaping benefits of my hard work, asserts Lovlina Borgohain

The boxer has assured India it’s second medal at the quadrennial event.

Lovlina Borgohain created history on Friday by winning her quarterfinal bout in the boxing event at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. She has assured India’s second medal after Mirabai Chanu won the silver in weightlifting a few days ago. She will definitely bring a bronze medal back home, but if she wins the semi-final, it will upgrade to either a silver or gold.

The second woman, after Mary Kom, to win an Olympic medal in boxing talked with the media after her bout on Friday. She expressed her feelings after the contest and answered some questions too.

Effects of COVID-19 pandemic

Lovlina Borgohain spoke on the challenges faced due to the restrictions brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. “There were very few competitions taking place due to the pandemic before the Olympics. I missed one competition as I got COVID as well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnlocNede3Y

"I was not getting the feel of being in a competition, I needed to spar. Because of COVID, sparring was also reduced. But, I thought about how I could fix the situation and in that way I did my training. I could perform well only because of everyone’s help,” she said in this regard.

Mental preparation & initial reaction

Lovlina Borgohain also expressed what her mindset was and the initial emotions after the victory against Chinese Taipei’s Chen Nien-chin. She said, “I had already lost to this opponent four times before, so it was a challenge for me to prove myself.

"There was no particular strategy because the opponents can read your game then. I thought that I would deal with any situation as it arises, this was my mindset. I am very happy, I enjoyed playing, I was playing freely,” she said in a happy tone.

An inspiration for the Northeast

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A57nvlo4-7U

Lovlina Borgohain hails from Assam and comes from very humble beginnings. Mary Kom, the legend in the sport of boxing also hails from the state. Speaking on what is special about the region, Lovlina briefly said, “I can’t say what is special, but whatever hard work I have put in, I am reaping ti’s benefits.

"Mary Kom is a huge inspiration, from the very beginning we have heard her name while picking up boxing as a sport. We’ve seen her struggles, she trains with us and we get to learn a lot from her.”

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Father’s delight

Tiken Borgohain, father of Lovlina, was full of praise for his daughter after her victory in Tokyo on Friday. “I am feeling very happy. Her years of hard work and her dream of winning a medal at the Olympics has come true. We, as her parents are very happy. I am hoping she wins on 4th August as well in the semi-finals and reaches the finals.” he concluded.

Coach's statement

Raffaele Bergamasco is the driving force behind Indian boxers and their recent improvement. He also chimed in after Lovlina's victory and said, "I think we are a little happy now but we know we have another girl tomorrow in competition. We hope that the color of the medal is not just bronze but another color. The work is not only mine but of the whole team altogether. I am very happy."

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