‘I Wanted To Quit Boxing.’ Then Lovlina Borgohain Won Asian Games Gold On Her Birthday

Lovlina Borgohain didn't just beat China's Ziyi Bao in the 75kg final. She beat a version of herself that, by her own account, nearly quit the sport entirely. Ask her what mattered most about Friday's win, and the answer she gave wasn't about her opponent at all.

"Tough Year" for Lovlina Borgohain

Asked how she got to gold, Lovlina didn't lead with technique or tactics during her post-match interactions. "I had a medal in every competition. I had to change my color. It was very important. More important than that was that I was continuing. I was doing it. It was a tough year for me. I wanted to quit boxing. But I continued. And I got the gold medal. I am very happy."

The timing of the final, on her own birthday, wasn't lost on her. "Yes, it's my special birthday, I think. I am feeling very happy. I thought that I have to gift a gold medal on my birthday. So, I did my best. I didn't think that I have to lose even for a second. It was a very tough fight. But I was always thinking that I have to win."

Lovlina Almost Didn't Survivesian Games Final Round

Despite the dominant scoreline, Lovlina was candid that the fight wasn't as clean as the result suggested. "Yes, but last round was very tough," she said, before detailing exactly how close it got: "I was winning from 2-1 till the first and second round. So, I was thinking that I have to win the third round. No matter what happens, I have to win. I have to stay strong. I lost twice."

She credited sheer unfamiliarity with her opponent as part of what made the moment so tense. "The opponent was very strong. I was playing with her for the first time. So, I had no idea how she was going to play. I was motivating myself that I have to win. I don't want to lose. I don't care what happens."

Why Silver Was Never Going to Be Enough For Lovlina Borgohain

Lovlina was direct about how unsatisfied her last continental medal had left her. "I was not happy in the Commonwealth Games. I was very happy that I got the silver medal. There are many things in an athlete's life. Losses. Injuries. You have to handle many things and move forward. The gold medal was very important for me. I continued in that way. I am feeling good."

She admitted the moment hadn't fully landed yet, even standing right after the win. "I don't know how to celebrate my goal. It has just ended. I need some time to accept that I have won. I am feeling very good. Thank you so much."

Crediting Everyone Who Stayed With Her

Lovlina was careful to spread the credit for the win beyond herself. "Many people contributed to this. My coaches were always with me. I got a good environment. I got support in every way. I got support from everyone. From Assam, India. I got support from everyone. Thank you very much. I prayed a lot. Thank you very much. God bless you."

Her Simple Answer for Beating China Again

Asked whether she'd developed any specific strategy for facing a Chinese opponent in a major final for a second time, Lovlina's answer was almost entirely about mindset rather than tactics. "I think it is important to be mentally strong. If we think that we have to win, no one can defeat us."