Lovlina Borgohain's Inspiring Comeback at the Asian Boxing Championships 2026
A Remarkable Return to Boxing
Olympic medallist Lovlina Borgohain with her bronze medal in Asian Boxing Championships 2026 (Photo: AT)
Guwahati, April 10: Not long ago, Lovlina Borgohain found herself contemplating leaving the sport she cherished.
The boxing ring, once a source of motivation, began to feel remote, overshadowed by external doubts.
However, after five to six months, her smile has returned.
Lovlina concluded her participation at the Asian Boxing Championships 2026 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, with a bronze medal, despite a 0-5 defeat to Uzbekistan’s Aziza Zokirova in the semifinals. Yet, the medal's color was of little significance.
“This is my first medal in a major international competition since 2024. Although it’s bronze, it holds more value to me than a gold,” she expressed.
For the Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist, this podium finish represented more than just a return; it was a testament to her perseverance.
“There were moments when I nearly gave up boxing, about five to six months ago. Reflecting on those times brings tears to my eyes. For an athlete, quitting the sport they love is incredibly challenging,” she shared.
Her boxing journey, spanning 17 years since she began, has been marked by numerous sacrifices.
“We’ve sacrificed countless things for our medals. From childhood, we had to wake up early for training, often losing sleep. There were foods we desired but couldn’t have due to strict diets. We missed out on outings with friends, always prioritizing training. The sacrifices are countless,” she recounted.
Now, she feels those sacrifices were worthwhile.
“I can truly appreciate the value of a medal. It represents years of hard work, sweat, and tears. That’s why I feel so joyful,” she added.
Her resurgence in 2026 has been consistent. In January, she secured the national title in Noida, followed by a gold medal at the Boxam Elite International meet in Spain, where she defeated England’s Mary-Kate Smith 4-1 in the 75kg final with strategic precision.
India finished second overall at the continental event, earning five gold medals, just one behind Kazakhstan, while leading the total medal count with 16. The women’s team excelled, contributing 10 medals, including four golds.
Another boxer from Assam, Ankushita Boro, also earned a bronze medal.
For Lovlina, this medal symbolizes more than just a return to the podium; it signifies her resilience in a time when quitting seemed like the easier option.
“I am grateful to everyone who has supported me. I will keep working hard for future competitions and aim to bring honor to my country,” she concluded.