Asian Games: Lovlina Borgohain wins India’s first boxing gold since 2014

Lovlina Borgohain gave herself the perfect present for her 29th birthday when she won gold in boxing in the women’s under 75 kg category with a commanding performance at the Asian Games. Lovlina defeated China’s Bao via unanimous decision to win the match. With the win, Lovlina became the first female boxer since Mary Kom in 2014 to secure a gold medal at the Asian Games.

The 29-year-old entered the gold medal match after creating history as the first Indian woman to reach the final of the Asian Games. After winning silver at the Asian Games in Hangzhou last time, the Indian star was determined to change the color of the medal and was knocked out right from the start. \

HOW THE FIGHT TURNED OUT

Lovlina had the height and reach advantage over Bao and it was the Indian who started the fight positively. She lands a few punches to the face before going for a clinch. Coming into the bout with a perfect amateur boxing record and a 14-fight winning streak, Bao slowly worked her way back into the bout with some heavy body shots.

She was then able to get closer to Lovlina and started landing more punches, putting the Indian star on the defensive. She appeared to have done enough as three of the five judges favored the Indian as she won the first round 3-2.

Bao started the second round more aggressively as she continued to weave in punches. Lovlina used jabs and hooks more than uppercuts, allowing Bao to come forward more.

The Chinese boxer managed to land a punch that had Lovlina on the ropes and she decided to clinch again. Lovlina managed to land a few punches in the end and that impressed the referee. They scored the round 4:1 in favor of Lovlina.

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