Paris Olympics: Indian boxer Lovlina Borgohain advances to QFs

Indian boxer Lovlina Borgohain began her Paris Olympics 2024 journey with a commanding victory, defeating Norway’s Sunniva Hofstad 5:0 in the women’s 75 kg round of 16 on Wednesday.

Competing in her first 75 kg Olympic tournament, Borgohain, who previously won a bronze medal in the 69 kg category at Tokyo 2020, showcased her adaptability and skill. Hofstad, making her Summer Games debut, launched an aggressive assault in the first two rounds, but Lovlina’s sturdy defense and strategic counter-attacks kept her in control. Despite Hofstad’s improved performance in the third round, it wasn’t enough to overcome the reigning Asian Games silver medalist.

With this victory, Borgohain progresses to the quarterfinals, where she will face Li Qian of China, her opponent in the Asian Games gold match in Hangzhou last year. The highly anticipated bout is scheduled for Sunday, August 4, at 3:02 PM IST.

In contrast, India faced challenges in other boxing events. On Tuesday, Nesthy Petecio from the Philippines defeated Indian boxer Jasmine Lamboria in the women’s 57 kg round of 32, and Amit Panghal was eliminated from the men’s 51 kg category after losing to Zambia’s Patrick Chinyemba by a split decision.