Asian Games / Lovlina Becomes Second Indian Woman Boxer After Mary Kom to Win Asian Games Gold

Nishio, Oct 2: Lovlina Borgohain marked her 29th birthday in memorable fashion, securing a historic Asian Games gold medal after defeating China’s Bao Ziyi in the women’s boxing final.

The decorated Indian boxer delivered a dominant performance in the title bout, securing a unanimous 5-0 victory to become only the second Indian woman boxer after Mary Kom to win an Asian Games gold medal.

She reflected on her historic achievement, calling it a gift for her on her cakeday. "I am feeling very good. I thought that I had to gift a gold medal to myself on my birthday. There wasn't a thought for even a second about a loss. It was a very tough fight. But I was always thinking that I have to win," she told reporters after the gold medal win.

The Indian pugilist recently clinched a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games 2026, losing in the final as the gold slipped out of her hands. However, Lovlina acknowledged that the CWG 2026 success was also a crucial one for her.

"It wasn't that after the Commonwealth Games. I was very happy to win the silver medal. There are many things in an athlete's life - there are losses and injuries that we have to handle and move forward. This gold medal was very important to me," she said.

Lovlina dominated the bout after bagging a close opening round by 3-2. She won the next two rounds by identical margins of 4-1 to win her second Asian Games medal, after a silver in the Hangzhou Games.

She was careful in the last round in the 2026 Asiad final after leading in the first two rounds. "Yes, the last round was very tough. The opponent was very strong. I was playing with her for the first time. So I had no idea how she was going to play.

"I was motivating myself that I have to win. I don't want to lose no matter what happens. Last round was also like that. I won the first two rounds and I was thinking that I have to win the third round too," she said.

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"I came to the Asian Games to win the gold medal. I motivated myself that I have to be strong and I have to win. I was very positive about everything. Japan is very lucky for me. I was thinking the same thing all the time. It was my birthday, and I won the fight. It was tough, but I won strongly," she said.

Lovlina Borgohain’s triumph marked a significant moment for Indian women’s boxing, as she joined Mary Kom as the only Indian women boxers to win Asian Games gold medals. Kom had claimed the title at the 2014 Incheon Games.

Still, Lovlina said she needed some time to fully absorb the achievement after her victory.

“I am feeling good. I don't know how to celebrate my gold. It has just ended. I need some time to accept that I have won. I am feeling very good,” she said.

(IANS)