The Tokyo Games medallist added that she didn’t feel “mentally strong” at the World Championships last month
Lovlina Borgohain. Pic/AFP
Lovlina Borgohain on Saturday said the endless functions and other commitments outside the boxing ring affected her training and led to a loss of focus after her Olympic bronze-winning performance.
The Tokyo Games medallist added that she didn’t feel “mentally strong” at the World Championships last month.
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Competing in her first international event since her podium finish in Tokyo last year, Lovlina’s World Championship campaign in the 70 kg category came to an early end after a disappointing loss in the pre-quarterfinals.
“Main thing was that in the World Championship I wasn’t that strong mentally. I wasn’t able to focus properly. I have worked on that,” Lovlina told reporters after sealing a Commonwealth Games berth in the 70kg event.
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“My aim was to win gold in Tokyo but I couldn’t. After that, in my mind I kept thinking I have to train and do well in the next competition. But that didn’t happen,” she added.
Since the Olympics, the 24-year-old had to attend innumerable felicitations and functions but all the attention has come with a price. “After Tokyo people started expecting a lot. I had to attend several functions also and you can’t say no because they’ll think after winning a medal she’s developed an ego.
“There are moments when you can’t do anything and you have to miss your training. This affects us. A player should be given space to focus on the game. I didn’t think all of this would affect my performance, but somewhere it did.”
This is not the first time an athlete has complained of being burdened with commitments after winning a medal.
Last year, after winning a historic gold medal at the Tokyo Games, even javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra had said his training took a hit as he had to attend numerous functions and Lovlina, felr people should be mindful of the athlete’s needs.
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