05 August,2026 09:48 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Lovlina Borgohain (File pic)
Olympic medalist Lovlina Borgohain considers her decision to persist with her boxing career after the Paris Olympics one of her greatest accomplishments, having navigated a stretch filled with injuries and self-doubt.
Speaking after the Indian team met with Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya following their impressive 10-medal performance at the Commonwealth Games, the 28-year-old opened up about her struggles following a quarterfinal exit in Paris.
"First of all, it was a big deal for me to continue for such a long time. There were many ups and downs after the Paris Olympics. There were many questions as to whether I wanted to continue or not. But I came back and continued. That is a big deal for me," Lovlina told PTI Videos.
Appearing in her third Commonwealth Games, Lovlina won her first CWG medal, a silver. While she had set her sights on the top step of the podium, she expressed satisfaction with the outcome and pride in the team's collective achievement.
"I have won medals in almost all games and competitions. But yes, it would have been better if I had won gold. I am very happy for my team because they have done so well. Seven golds is a big thing for all of us. I am ready for the Asian Games as well. I have to do better and win gold," she said.
India's foreign coach Santiago Nieva praised the team's display as a landmark breakthrough, pointing to Sakshi Chaudhary's victory in the 51kg division to highlight the nation's remarkable depth.
"Going into this competition, I was feeling that in women's 51kg we needed to get a gold medal because just to qualify here, in the selection trials we had three world champions and a couple of youth world champions. It was an extremely strong field, and she came through there. She had a very strong opponent from England in the final, but the way Sakshi boxed and showed her experience looks very promising for the future," Nieva said.
World champion Jaismine Lamboria, who overcame a health setback just weeks prior to the event, added: "The main target is the same, LA 2028. Every player keeps improving. We will keep improving."
(With inputs from PTI)
