New Delhi: With three World Championship medals, an Olympic bronze, and an Asian Games silver, Lovlina Borgohain boasts a commendable athletic resume. However, there’s one notable achievement still missing: a Commonwealth Games medal. As she heads to Glasgow for the Commonwealth Games starting July 23, Borgohain aims to change that narrative. This will be her third appearance at the CWG, and the experienced boxer is determined to advance beyond the quarterfinals.
Event Context
At 28 years old, she secured her spots on the CWG and Asian Games teams following a decisive 5-0 win against Sanamacha Chanu during the selection trials. She kicked off her international season with a victory at the Usti nad Labem Grand Prix in the Czech Republic in May, where she also triumphed 5-0 over Italy’s Melissa Gemini in the final. This win marked her second title of the year, coming after her success at the Boxam Elite International in Spain in February. In that tournament, Borgohain defeated Eccles in the semi-finals before overcoming Mary-Kate Smith, a quarter-finalist from England at the 2025 World Championships. Two months later, she achieved a third-place finish at the Asian Championships in Ulaanbaatar. Her quarter-final performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics was succeeded by a break from competitive boxing, which ultimately led to a Round of 16 loss against Turkey’s Buşra Isildar at the last year’s World Championships. “I’ve faced my share of ups and downs in recent years. It’s been challenging, but I rely on my experience to help me recover. I have enjoyed a rich boxing career spanning 15 years, and my passion for the sport is what keeps me going,” she remarked. The Indian boxing team is set to depart for a training camp in Ireland on July 10, with the CWG-bound athletes traveling to Glasgow afterward. “I intend to compete until the 2028 LA Olympics, after which I plan to focus on my academy. This marks what I see as the final chapter of my career, and I am committed to making it a memorable one.”
Player Focus
It has been an excellent year thus far. Coach Santiago Nieva has been focusing on refining several technical aspects of my game. Competing in the Czech Republic boosted my confidence significantly. I feel pleased with my intensity in the matches and the way I carry myself. I believe I am well-prepared for the Commonwealth Games,
Match Outlook
In the 2018 Commonwealth Games held in Gold Coast, Borgohain competed in the 69kg category but was eliminated in the quarterfinals by England’s Sandy Ryan. Four years later, at the Birmingham Games, she faced a similar fate in the 70kg division, losing in the quarters to Wales’ Rosie Eccles. Notably, both Ryan and Eccles went on to claim gold medals. This year, Borgohain is set to compete in the 75kg category.
“That is one medal missing from my cabinet. Without a doubt, the Commonwealth Games will be my primary focus this year,” Borgohain shared from Patiala, where she is training with the squads for the Commonwealth and Asian Games.
“This will be my third time at the CWG, and I still haven’t secured a medal. I believe luck has played a role, as I’ve faced some very strong opponents. I’ve earned every other medal except this one. I anticipate tough competition again, but I’m determined to correct this situation.”
