Lovlina Borgohain expressed relief as she prepared for her first match at the Commonwealth Games 2026. The 28-year-old boxer, who previously won a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics, is now guaranteed a medal due to her direct entry into the semi-finals. This unexpected development marks a significant change from her previous Commonwealth Games experiences, where she faced multiple bouts without securing a podium finish.

“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,” said Lovlina, reflecting on her journey leading to this moment.

Shifting Mindset Towards Gold

The assurance of a medal has transformed Lovlina’s approach to the competition, allowing her to focus solely on winning gold rather than feeling pressured to secure a medal. “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 stated, showcasing her determination ahead of the competition.

Her path since the Paris Olympics has been challenging. Following a disappointing performance in Paris, Lovlina contemplated whether to continue boxing. She ultimately decided to persist and trained rigorously, participating in various competitions, including the World Championships. “After the Paris Olympics, I changed a lot. 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 noted, highlighting her commitment to improving her skills.

Training and Preparation in Belfast

Before arriving in Scotland, Lovlina and the Indian boxing team trained in Belfast, which she credited for honing her abilities. “We had a training camp in Belfast. The training and sparring went well, so I am confident that I can win gold here,” she remarked, expressing optimism built on her preparation.

If the projections hold, Lovlina is expected to face Emma-Sue Greentree from Australia, a two-time World Championships bronze medallist, in the gold medal match. Although the two have not previously competed against each other, Lovlina emphasised that her performance would depend largely on her own mindset rather than her opponent’s previous achievements. “I haven’t played against Emma before. But with me, I can win against anyone if I am fully confident,” she explained, displaying a self-assured attitude.

Lovlina has also welcomed the return of head coach Santiago Nieva, who rejoined the team earlier this year following his involvement during the Tokyo Olympics. She praised his coaching, saying, “We have had sparring sessions with him also. Santiago sir is a great coach. His training is very good.” His guidance is expected to play a critical role in shaping her performance.

With a Commonwealth Games medal already secured, Lovlina is now focused on the colour of the medal she will ultimately win. For the first time in her Commonwealth Games experience, she finds herself in a position where she has nothing to lose and everything to gain, a circumstance that could prove advantageous as she heads into the pivotal bouts.

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