Olympic medallist Lovlina Borgohain has revealed that she competed in the Commonwealth Games boxing final despite carrying a minor knee injury, saying that dealing with physical pain is an unavoidable part of elite-level competition.
The Indian boxer was seen with her knee heavily strapped during the final in Glasgow, prompting concerns about her fitness. Addressing the issue at a press conference organised by the Boxing Federation of India, Lovlina said the injury was not serious but required support during the bout.
“I had a minor knee injury. But that is part of boxing—everyone has to compete through injuries. I taped my knee because of the pain,” she said, adding that athletes often have to continue competing despite physical discomfort.
Lovlina finished with the silver medal in the women’s 75kg category after losing the final to Australia’s Emma-Sue Greentree. She had received a bye into the semifinals and advanced to the title clash after winning her opening bout in Glasgow.
With the silver, Lovlina became only the third Indian boxer after Mary Kom and Vijender Singh to win medals at every major international boxing event.
The Assam boxer dedicated her Commonwealth Games medal to people affected by the devastating floods in her home state.
“The situation in Assam is very difficult. It is painful to see my people suffering, and the impact continues even after the floodwaters recede. I want to dedicate my silver medal to the flood victims, and I also feel guilty that I could not be in Assam during this difficult period,” she said.
The Glasgow medal marked Lovlina’s first podium finish at the Commonwealth Games in her third appearance. She had previously won an Olympic bronze medal in Tokyo, an Asian Games silver, and a World Championships gold along with two bronze medals across different weight categories.
FOLLOW NOW
