Nishio, October 2, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Indian boxer Lovlina Borgohain gave herself a memorable 29th birthday gift by winning a historic gold medal at the Asian Games, defeating China’s Bao Ziyi 5-0 in the women’s 75kg final.
With the unanimous victory, Lovlina became only the second Indian woman boxer to win an Asian Games gold medal after Mary Kom, who achieved the feat at the 2014 Incheon Games.
“I am feeling very good. I thought that I had to gift a gold medal to myself on my birthday. There wasn’t a thought for even a second about a loss. It was a very tough fight. But I was always thinking that I have to win,” Lovlina told reporters after the bout.
The gold also marked Lovlina’s second Asian Games medal, following her silver at the Hangzhou Games.
She had recently won a silver medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games and said that result remained important despite missing out on gold.
“It wasn’t that after the Commonwealth Games. I was very happy to win the silver medal. There are many things in an athlete’s life — there are losses and injuries that we have to handle and move forward. This gold medal was very important to me,” she said.
Lovlina edged the opening round 3-2 before winning the next two rounds 4-1, 4-1. She admitted the final round was particularly challenging as she was facing Bao for the first time.
“Yes, the last round was very tough. The opponent was very strong. I was playing with her for the first time. So I had no idea how she was going to play,” she said.
The Indian boxer said she remained focused on winning throughout the bout.
“I came to the Asian Games to win the gold medal. I motivated myself that I have to be strong and I have to win. I was very positive about everything. Japan is very lucky for me. I was thinking the same thing all the time. It was my birthday, and I won the fight,” Lovlina said.
The boxer said she would need some time to fully process the achievement.
“I don’t know how to celebrate my gold. It has just ended. I need some time to accept that I have won. I am feeling very good,” she said.
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