2024-05-06 23:36:46
New Delhi: India’s top boxer Lovlina Borgohain is confident of winning a medal in the Paris Olympics despite the change in her weight category and tough competition in the 75 kg category. The Assam player faced a challenging time after winning a medal at the Tokyo Olympics as she made early exits from the World Championships and Commonwealth Games. Lovlina earlier used to compete in the 69 kg category but after this weight category was removed from the Olympics, she started playing in the 75 kg category and never looked back.
The Indian boxer has won gold medals at the 2022 Asian Championships and 2023 World Championships as well as a silver medal at the Asian Games last year. Lovlina said, ‘After the change in weight, overall my performance has been good. Winning the World Championship in the Olympic category was a big thing. Earlier I had to control my weight but now I have adjusted to this weight. I have participated in competitions and performed well.
Lovlina’s weight usually remains between 70 to 75 kg, so she does not have to work extra hard to lose weight before tournaments. She said, ‘The competition is strong but I fit into this category. I am more comfortable in this range than 69 kg because I don’t have to control my eating as much. In such a situation my energy level remains high. I feel stronger and I’m able to train better. I focus on strengthening my muscles with strength and conditioning.
The 75 kg category has been a regular part of the Olympic Games since the inclusion of women’s boxing at the London Olympic Games (2012). The situation in Paris will be challenging for the 26-year-old as she will be facing boxers who have already been in this category. Lovlina said, ‘There is no doubt that the 75 kg category is challenging because it has always been an Olympic category. 69kg was new but 75kg has been there for years. In such a situation, already experienced boxers compete in it. it’s a challenge. But I am confident because my performance has been good and I feel comfortable in 75kg.