Lovlina storms into Olympic semis; assures India of medal

Lovlina had defeated a much more experienced 35-year-old pugilist Nadine Apetz of Germany 3-2 in the pre-quarterfinal bout last Tuesday. 
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GUWAHATI:

Assam’s lone representative in the Tokyo Olympics, boxer Lovlina Borgohain stormed into the semifinals of the women’s welterweight (64 to 69 kg) category defeating Chinese Taipei’s Nien-Chin Chen 4-1 in the quarterfinal on Friday.

The Boxing Federation of India (BFI) tweeted:  “CREATES HISTORY @LovlinaBorgohai puts up a brilliant performance and secures 1st medal for Flag of India from boxing in 69 kg at @Tokyo2020. She beat Chinese Taipei’s Chen NC 4-1 in QF to reach semis”.

Lovlina, who is making her Olympic debut amid the hype in the run-up to the Games, put up a clinical and technically sound performance in all three rounds to win on a split decision and in the process assure India of at least a bronze medal.

In the process, the 23-year-old also scripted a piece of history by becoming the first from Assam to bag an Olympic medal.

Also the first boxer from the nine-member Indian squad to make it to the semifinals of the Tokyo Olympics, she will now take on gritty Turkish world champion boxer Busenaz Sürmeneli in the round of four at 11 am on August 4.

Lovlina had defeated a much more experienced 35-year-old pugilist Nadine Apetz of Germany 3-2 in the pre-quarterfinal bout last Tuesday. 

Meanwhile, there was more jubilation across Assam, especially in her hometown at Sarupathar constituency in Golaghat district, with fans and well-wishers rejoicing her feat and wishing her more success in her next bout.

(Edited by Aparmita Das)

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