Daijiworld Media Network - Nishio

Nishio, Oct 2: Lovlina Borgohain gifted herself a historic gold medal on her 29th birthday, defeating China’s Bao Ziyi 5-0 in the final to become only the second Indian woman boxer to win an Asian Games gold after Mary Kom.

The decorated Indian pugilist said winning the gold was the perfect birthday gift.

“I am feeling very good. I thought that I had to gift a gold medal to myself on my birthday. There wasn't a thought for even a second about a loss. It was a very tough fight. But I was always thinking that I have to win,” she told reporters after the bout.

Lovlina had recently won a silver medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, where she lost in the final after the gold slipped away. However, she said the CWG performance remained important in her journey.

“It wasn't that after the Commonwealth Games. I was very happy to win the silver medal. There are many things in an athlete's life - there are losses and injuries that we have to handle and move forward. This gold medal was very important to me,” she said.

Lovlina dominated the final after edging the opening round 3-2. She then won the next two rounds by identical 4-1 margins to secure her second Asian Games medal, following her silver at the Hangzhou Games.

The Indian boxer admitted the final round was particularly challenging after she had established a lead.

“Yes, the last round was very tough. 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,” she said.

“I was motivating myself that I have to win. I don't want to lose no matter what happens. Last round was also like that. I won the first two rounds and I was thinking that I have to win the third round too,” she added.

Lovlina said she had arrived at the Asian Games determined to win the gold and remained positive throughout the competition.

“I came to the Asian Games to win the gold medal. I motivated myself that I have to be strong and I have to win. I was very positive about everything. Japan is very lucky for me. I was thinking the same thing all the time. It was my birthday, and I won the fight. It was tough, but I won strongly,” she said.

Her victory marks a significant moment for Indian women's boxing, with Lovlina joining Mary Kom as the only Indian women boxers to win Asian Games gold medals. Mary Kom had won the title at the 2014 Incheon Games.

Lovlina said she would need some time to fully process the achievement.

“I am feeling good. I don't know how to celebrate my gold. It has just ended. I need some time to accept that I have won. I am feeling very good,” she said.