Hangzhou, China – Lovlina Borgohain, the reigning world champion and Olympic bronze medalist, faced a tough challenge in the women’s 75kg final at the Asian Games 2023 in Hangzhou. Her opponent, China’s Li Qian, was a multiple Olympic medal-winning boxer with an intimidating track record.
Right from the outset, Lovlina sensed that the marginal calls from the judges might not be in her favor. Despite the deafening support from the home crowd for Li Qian, Lovlina remained composed, but it seemed that the early decisions influenced her focus.
The opening round saw both boxers evenly matched, with Li Qian slightly edging ahead. As the bout progressed, it became increasingly one-sided in favor of the Chinese boxer. Lovlina’s confidence took a hit when she received a penalty warning (a one-point deduction) from the referee in the second round, following an informal warning in the first round. Lovlina believed her Chinese counterpart was also at fault in the first round.
At the end of the second round, four out of five judges favored Li Qian, putting her significantly ahead in the total score. Lovlina needed something extraordinary in the final round to turn the tables, and she put up a valiant effort, launching an all-out attack. However, Li Qian’s impeccable defense thwarted Lovlina’s efforts. The final round saw four judges siding with Li Qian, with only one judge favoring Lovlina’s boxing.
The final verdict was a unanimous decision in favor of Li Qian, resulting in Lovlina securing the silver medal. This marks India’s first silver medal in women’s boxing at the Asian Games since Mary Kom’s gold in 2014 at the Incheon Games.
The Indian boxing team concluded their campaign at the Asian Games 2023 with a total of five medals, including one silver and four bronze medals. Additionally, the Indian boxers secured four boxing quotas for the upcoming Paris Olympics.
In a previous bout, Parveen Hooda faced a formidable challenge in the women’s 57kg semifinal against two-time world champion Lin Yu Ting of Chinese Taipei. Parveen, who had previously won the 63kg bronze at the 2022 World Championships, struggled against Lin’s height advantage.
Standing at five feet and seven inches, Parveen was at a disadvantage due to her shorter stature, making it challenging to land scoring punches. Lin capitalized on her two-inch height advantage, using it to her advantage and consistently landing punches from a distance.
Despite Parveen’s efforts to adopt a more aggressive approach in the second round, Lin’s experience and nimble footwork allowed her to evade the Indian’s blows effectively. While Parveen had occasional successes, it was not enough to sway the judges in her favor.
Lin Yu Ting, a boxer with three World Championships medals to her name, had also secured a bronze in the 2023 edition but was later disqualified after failing an eligibility test. Parveen Hooda’s bronze medal win makes her the fourth Indian boxer to claim a bronze at this edition of the Asian Games.
With her performance, Parveen has already secured an Olympic quota for the Paris Games scheduled for the following year.
Lovlina Borgohain’s journey to the silver medal in the women’s 75kg final was marked by determination and sportsmanship. Despite the challenging circumstances, Lovlina displayed resilience and fought valiantly against a formidable opponent.
The silver medal for Lovlina is a testament to her exceptional boxing skills and her ability to compete at the highest level. It is a proud moment for India, and Lovlina’s achievement adds to the country’s growing presence in international boxing.
The Indian boxing team’s overall performance at the Asian Games 2023 reflects the nation’s dedication to the sport. Securing four Olympic quotas is a significant accomplishment, and it sets a promising stage for India’s representation at the Paris Olympics.
Parveen Hooda’s bronze medal win in the women’s 57kg category, despite the height disadvantage, is a testament to her determination and fighting spirit. Her qualification for the Paris Olympics is a remarkable achievement and bodes well for Indian boxing.
Lovlina Borgohain’s silver medal performance showcased her as a formidable boxer on the international stage. While the result may not have been in her favor, her sportsmanship and determination resonated with fans worldwide. The need for a fair and transparent judging system in boxing remains a topic of discussion, and it’s crucial for the sport’s governing bodies to address these concerns.
India’s growing presence in the world of women’s boxing is undeniable, with multiple medal-winners at the Asian Games 2023. The journey of Parveen Hooda, overcoming a height disadvantage, exemplifies the spirit of Indian athletes. As the Indian boxing team continues to progress, the nation eagerly anticipates their performance on the global stage at the Paris Olympics.