'Would Have Been Better If I Had Won Gold': Lovlina Borgohain Sets Her Sights On Asian Games

Published 5 August 2026 · india

News sports other-sports 'Would Have Been Better If I Had Won Gold': Lovlina Borgohain Sets Her Sights On Asian Games 'Would Have Been Better If

News sports other-sports 'Would Have Been Better If I Had Won Gold': Lovlina Borgohain Sets Her Sights On Asian Games 'Would Have Been Better If I Had Won Gold': Lovlina Borgohain Sets Her Sights On Asian Games Published By, Last Updated: August 05, 2026, 16:03 IST Making her third Commonwealth Games appearance, Lovlina won her first CWG medal -- a silver. Lovlina Borgohain poses with her CWG 2026 silver medal. (AP Photo) Continuing her boxing career after the disappointment of the Paris Olympics ranks among the biggest victories of Lovlina Borgohain’s journey, the Olympic medallist said, reflecting on a year marked by injuries, uncertainty and questions over her future in the sport. Speaking after the Indian boxing contingent met Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya following the country’s record haul of 10 medals in boxing at the Commonwealth Games, the 28-year-old looked back on the difficult period that followed her quarterfinal exit at the Paris Olympics. “First of all, it was a big deal for me to continue for such a long time. There were many ups and downs after the Paris Olympics.

There were many questions as to whether I wanted to continue or not. But I came back and continued. That is a big deal for me," Lovlina told PTI Videos. Competing at her third Commonwealth Games, Lovlina secured the first CWG medal of her career with a silver. While satisfied with the result, she admitted her sights had been set on the top step of the podium. “I have won medals in almost all games and competitions. But yes, it would have been better if I had won gold. I am very happy for my team because they have done so well. Seven golds is a big thing for all of us. I am ready for the Asian Games as well. I have to do better and win gold," she said. India’s foreign coach Santiago Nieva described the campaign as a milestone for the team, saying the performances had provided a major confidence boost ahead of upcoming international events. “It was a historic result for us. We had some great performances. It gives us a lot of confidence going into the next competitions." Nieva pointed to Sakshi’s gold-medal run in the women’s 51kg division as evidence of the country’s growing depth in women’s boxing.

“Going into this competition, I was feeling that in women’s 51kg we needed to get a gold medal because just to qualify here, in the selection trials we had three world champions and a couple of youth world champions. It was an extremely strong field and she came through there. “She had a very strong opponent from England in the final, but the way Sakshi boxed and showed her experience looks very promising for the future." With the Commonwealth Games behind them, Nieva said the team’s attention would now turn to the Asian Games and the Olympic qualification cycle. World champion Jaismine Lamboria, who returned after recovering from illness just weeks before the Games, said the title strengthened her long-term objective of reaching the top at the Los Angeles Olympics. “The main target is the same, LA 2028. Every player keeps improving. We will keep improving." Asked if competing as the reigning world champion brought extra pressure, Lamboria said the label instead served as motivation during her recovery. “It motivated me a lot.