Indian women’s boxer Lovlina Borgohain, who won bronze medal in Tokyo Olympics 2022, gave a winning start to India in the 12th season of the IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships in Istanbul. Lovlina defeated former World Champion Chen Nien-Chin of Chinese Taipei in her first match on late Monday night. Playing her first tournament since the Tokyo Olympics, Lovlina advanced to the last-16 round with a 3-2 decision in her first match in the 70kg category, where she will face Cindy Ngamba of Fair Chance team on Friday.
Both the boxers started off with caution. For the first one minute no one made a single strike. Playing with full restraint, Lovlina did not show any haste in the first round and only when the right opportunity came, she extended her long hands. The second round saw good punches between the two. During this Chen tried to attack, but the fast-paced Indian managed to block with a good defense strategy and managed to turn the outcome of the fork in her favour.
After the match, Lovlina said, ‘This was my first match after the Olympics. There was a lot to learn in the Olympics, so worked on all that. I had to see how far I have reached and how I am doing after working on my shortcomings after the Olympics. This match was a bit tough for me but due to everyone’s support, I was able to do well and give a good bout. It will be my endeavor to do better in the coming time and give gold to India.