In what was her maiden appearance at an Olympic event, Indian boxer Lovlina Borgohain made the country proud by clinching a bronze medal at Tokyo Olympics 2020. Up against reigning world champion Busenaz Surmeneli of Turkey in the welterweight (69kg) semifinals, Lovlina lost 0-5.
Speaking to Times Now, Lovlina, who is the third Indian boxer to win a medal at the Olympics after Vijender Singh and Mary Kom, said she wanted to win a gold but is happy to have won a bronze medal for the country.
“I wanted to win a gold medal, I was confident, I did not meet the expectations but I am happy to have won a bronze medal for the country. I want to continue doing well and win more medals for my country,” Lovlina told Karishma Singh of Times Now.
Lovlina, who hails from Assam, is looking forward to meeting her parents and thanked the people of Assam who have been praying for her good show at Tokyo 2020.
“Yes, I am excited. I have not gone home for one year now. I want to go home and meet my parents, meet people of Assam who have prayed a lot for me. They have held prayers for me, prayed every day for my performance. I would want to thank all of them. I would dedicate this medal to my nation,” Lovlina added.
After winning a bronze medal, Lovlina wants to go on a vacation with her family. “I have not been on a vacation for long. I will go somewhere with my parents,” she added.
When asked what has she learned from participating at Tokyo 2020 which is being held during the pandemic, Lovlina said, “It’s very important to have self-belief. There might be tough times, but one should always have belief.”
Sports Minister Anurag Thakur and Kiren Rijiju, the Union Minister of Law and Justice, showered praise on Lovlina for winning a bronze medal in Tokyo.
Taking to Twitter, Thakur wrote: “Lovlina, you gave your best punch! India is extremely proud of what you have achieved ! You’ve achieved a medal in your first Olympics; the journey has just begun!”
Rijiju also took to Twitter and wrote: “Well done @LovlinaBorgohai ! #Boxing #Olympics #Tokyo2020 #Cheer4India Dear @LovlinaBorgohai you have made our country proud! Congratulations on winning Olympic Bronze medal! We are extremely proud of your achievement! #Cheer4India.”
He further tweeted: “Dear @LovlinaBorgohai, you have made our country proud! Hearty congratulations on winning Olympic Bronze medal! We are extremely proud of your achievement! #Cheer4India.”
