Assam’s star boxer Lovlina Borgohain booked her place in the women’s 75kg gold-medal bout at the 2026 Asian Games after edging past Kazakhstan’s Natalya Bogdanova 3-2 in a closely contested semifinal.
The Olympic bronze medallist produced a determined performance to secure her second consecutive Asian Games final, guaranteeing India at least a silver medal in the category. With the achievement, Lovlina also became the first Indian woman boxer to reach back-to-back Asian Games finals.
The 27-year-old had won the women’s 75kg gold medal at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou and will now have the opportunity to defend her title in the final.
Back home in Assam, Lovlina’s parents expressed immense pride and happiness after her semifinal victory.
Her father, Tiken Borgohain, said the family was delighted that Lovlina had already assured the country a silver medal and hoped she would go on to clinch gold.
“I am very happy that she has secured at least a silver medal. She has gained around two kilograms, is a little tired and is following a strict diet. We hope she wins the final,” he said.
The final is scheduled for October 2, which coincides with Lovlina’s birthday. Tiken said a gold medal on that special day would be the perfect gift for his daughter.
“October 2 is her birthday. If she wins the final and brings home the gold medal, it will be the best gift she could receive,” he added.
He also appealed to people across the country to continue blessing and supporting Lovlina ahead of the crucial final.
According to Tiken, Lovlina makes it a point to call her parents before every bout and had spoken with them before the semifinal as well.
“She always calls us before her matches. She was happy and confident, and we blessed her before the fight,” he said.
Lovlina’s mother, Mamoni Borgohain, also shared her joy, saying she was thrilled to receive a call from her daughter on the morning of the semifinal and remains hopeful of a gold-medal finish.
As Lovlina prepares for the final, the entire nation, especially Assam, will be cheering for the boxer as she looks to defend her Asian Games crown and add another golden chapter to her illustrious career.