Lovlina fought COVID, helped ailing mother: BFI chief

India`s Lovlina Borgohain (left), reacts hearing the judges decision in her victory over Nien-Chin Chen, of Chinese Taipei in their women`s welter weight 69kg quarterfinal boxing match. Pic AP/PTI

Boxing Federation of India chief Ajay Singh has hailed star boxer Lovlina Borgohain, who stormed into the welterweight (64kg-69kg) semi-finals to assure a medal for India at the Tokyo Olympics this morning. Lovlina beat Taiwan's NC Chen 4-1 in the quarter-finals.

The boxing chief hailed Lovlina for overcoming Covid-19 and also supporting her ailing mother who suffered kidney failure. "This is a proud moment not just for boxing but also for Assam and for the entire country. It was a very courageous effort by Lovlina, indeed. She was down with Covid-19 last year and was admitted to the hospital. Her mother too was going through a life-threatening ailment. But Lovlina is a born fighter. This is a huge milestone for Indian boxing and the way this young girl has proved herself makes us all proud," Singh said via a statement.

The BFI now want Lovlina to go for gold. "I said to Lovlina today, 'this is just the start'. She needs to plan carefully and ensure she wins gold for India. Lovlina is symbolic of a young, new and fearless India. I am sure that young boxers like her will ensure many more Olympic medals in the future," added Singh.

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