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“I dedicate this medal to my country” Lovlina Borgohain on winning Bronze at Tokyo 2020 Olympics

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India’s Lovlina Borgohain will be returning from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics with a bronze after a “wonderful journey” at the games. The boxer has dedicated her medal win to the country. She thanked the “entire nation for their prayers and wishes”, Borgohain said her family played a “pivotal role” in her success. She also acknowledged the contributions of the Boxing Federation of India, the Sports Authority of India, her coach and others in a statement.

The 23-year-old who qualified for semifinals lost the match to reigning world champion Busenaz Surmeneli of Turkey by 0-5 in the welterweight (69kg)

Talking about the semifinals she said “Accha to nahi lag raha hai (it does not feel good). I worked hard for a gold medal so it is a bit disappointing.” Lovlina docked a point for not paying attention to the referee’s instructions and also endured two standing eight counts.

However Borgohain’s medal is a historic achievement as it is India’s first Olympic podium finish in boxing in nine years and only the third ever after Vijender Singh in 2008 and MC Mary Kom in 2012.

Although upset about the semifinal loss Lovlina has high hopes from 2024 Paris Olympics “It has been a wonderful journey to Tokyo Olympics. Finally, my years of preparation have yielded me an Olympic medal. Although I was aiming for gold, there’s always a next time and hopefully in the 2024 Paris Olympics,” she said.

Thanking her fellow countrymen she said “I thank my entire nation for their prayers and wishes and also dedicate this medal to my country. This journey won’t be possible without the acknowledgment of the Boxing Federation of India (BFI), Sports Authority of India, Ministry of Sports, TOPS, OGQ, Assam Government, my chief coach Raffaele Bergamasco sir, personal coach Sandhya Gurung ma’am, sport scientist Amey Kolekar sir, physio Hemanta Kolita sir, nutritionist, all coaches, IOS Sports and boxing fraternity for their constant support.”

She concluded the press conference by thanking her family, “My family has played a pivotal role in my success. They were there with me during thick and thin, especially my mother who motivated me a lot despite her illness. Jai Hind,” she signed off.