Lovlina Borgohain Targets Commonwealth Games 2025 Gold After Assured Medal in Glasgow

Glasgow, July 25: "There is no medal pressure now. I have to fight for gold." That single statement summed up Lovlina Borgohain's mindset after becoming India's first assured medallist at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

The Tokyo Olympic bronze medallist advanced directly to the women's 75kg semifinals after receiving a bye, guaranteeing herself at least a bronze. But rather than celebrating another podium finish, the 28-year-old has already shifted her focus to the one medal missing from her decorated career-a Commonwealth Games gold.

For Lovlina, the direct passage to the last four came as a pleasant surprise. "This was shocking news even for me. I never thought I'd get a direct entry into the semifinal because in the last two Commonwealth Games, I didn't even have a medal and I had to fight four or five bouts. Maybe this is a blessing for all my hard work," she said.

Paris Disappointment Changed Her Perspective

The assured medal marks a remarkable turnaround for the Assamese boxer, who admitted she was uncertain about continuing in the sport after a disappointing campaign at the Paris Olympics. Instead of stepping away, Lovlina chose to rebuild.

"After the Paris Olympics I changed a lot. I played a lot of competitions, including the World Championships. I was confused whether to continue playing or not, but I continued. Then I got back-to-back training and I started winning medals," she revealed.

That renewed confidence has now carried her to another major international podium.

Gold Is the Only Target

With a medal already secured, Lovlina believes she can approach the remainder of the competition with greater freedom. "There is no medal pressure now. I have to fight for gold. If I can win gold for my country, that will make me happy," she said.

Belfast Camp Boosts Confidence

Lovlina credited India's preparatory camp in Belfast for putting her in the right frame of mind ahead of the Games.

"We had a training camp in Belfast. The training and sparring went well, so I am confident that I can win gold here," she said.

If she reaches the final, Lovlina is expected to face Australia's Emma-Sue Greentree, a two-time World Championships bronze medallist.

Although the two have never faced each other in competition, the Indian remains confident of her chances.

"I haven't played against Emma before. But with me it's like I can win against anyone if I am fully confident, but sometimes I can also lose to a very weak boxer. If everything works, I can take her down," Lovlina said.

Praise for Santiago Nieva

Lovlina also acknowledged the influence of head coach Santiago Nieva, who returned to India's boxing setup earlier this year after previously guiding the team during the Tokyo Olympics.

"We have had sparring sessions with her also. Santiago sir is a great coach. He was with us at the Tokyo Olympics as well and his training is very good," she said.

With the pressure of ending India's medal wait already behind her, Lovlina now has just one objective left in Glasgow-turning a guaranteed podium finish into her first Commonwealth Games gold medal.