Lovlina Borgohain Secures Medal at Commonwealth Games 2026: Coach Santiago Nieva's Insights

Coach's Remarks on Lovlina's Performance

Santiago Nieva, the head coach of the Indian women's boxing team, shared his thoughts on Olympic medallist Lovlina Borgohain's assured medal at the ongoing Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. He noted that Lovlina has a 'favourable draw' and emphasized the importance of defeating any opponent she encounters.

Path to the Medal

Lovlina Borgohain is guaranteed a medal at the Commonwealth Games 2026 after receiving a bye into the women's 75kg quarter-finals. This means she does not need to compete in a bout to secure a podium finish. In boxing at the Commonwealth Games, two bronze medals are awarded in each weight category, with both losing semi-finalists receiving a bronze. Thus, reaching the semi-finals ensures a medal, as stated by Olympics.com.

Her direct entry into the semi-finals is due to the limited number of competitors in the women's 75kg category, which includes only five boxers. The quarter-final bout scheduled for July 28 will feature England's Mary Kate Smith against Nigeria's Patricia Mbata. Alongside Lovlina, Australia's Emma-Sue Greentree and Tuvalu's Tarona Taafaki have also advanced directly to the semi-finals.

Insights on the Favourable Draw

In a statement reported by ESPN, Santiago remarked, 'We have received the draw, and in Lovlina's weight category, there are five boxers. She has a favourable draw and will go directly into the semi-finals, where she will face Tuvalu.'

'Lovlina and Tuvalu have sparred previously in Belfast, and we are confident that Lovlina is performing at a higher level. However, Tuvalu is a tough opponent and a southpaw, so we must be fully prepared and perform at our best. On paper, our main competitors, England and Australia, are on the opposite side of the draw and will face each other in the semi-finals. While the draw is advantageous for us, achieving our goal will require us to defeat whoever comes our way.'

A Significant Milestone for Lovlina

The Tokyo 2020 Olympic bronze medallist and former world champion is set to face Taafaki in the semi-finals on July 31, with a spot in the final on the line. This will mark Lovlina's first medal at the Commonwealth Games, regardless of its colour. Previously, she exited in the quarter-finals at Gold Coast 2018 after losing to the eventual champion Sandy Ryan, and she faced an opening-round defeat at Birmingham 2022, competing in the 69kg category at both events.

This medal will also complete Lovlina's collection at all major multi-sport events she is eligible for, having already secured medals at the Olympics and Asian Games, as noted by Olympics.com.