Lovlina Borgohain’s story, from a village girl in Assam to an Olympic medalist, shows that hard work triumphs all. Born into a modest family, Lovlina faced numerous challenges but she never gave up on her dreams. She made history by becoming the first woman boxer from Assam to win an Olympic medal, securing bronze at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Lovlina’s Early Life
Lovlina Borgohain was born on October 2, 1997, in Baromukhiya village, Golaghat district, Assam. She has two sisters, Licha and Lima, who are also national-level kickboxing players. Growing up in a financially constrained environment, Lovlina faced significant challenges. Her father worked at a local tea estate, earning just ₹2,500 a month, while her mother often took loans to support the family and fund her daughters’ sports aspirations.
As a child, Lovlina was often mistaken for a boy due to her appearance and was called “brother” by many in her village. She initially struggled with traditional school uniforms, which led her to leave school and sell vegetables door-to-door to contribute to her family’s income. Despite these hardships, her parents instilled in her a sense of ambition and the belief that she could achieve her dreams.
Transition to Boxing
Lovlina’s journey into sports began with kickboxing, inspired by her sisters. In 2012, she transitioned to boxing after impressing coach Padum Chandra Bodo during a trial held by the Sports Authority of India at Barpathar Girls High School. This marked the beginning of her serious training in boxing.
Achievements and Milestones
Lovlina’s dedication to the sport quickly paid off. Some of her notable achievements include:
- 2017: Bronze medal at the President’s Cup in Astana, Kazakhstan.
- 2017: Bronze medal at the Asian Women’s Amateur Boxing Championship in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
- 2018: Silver medal at the Ulaanbaatar Cup in Mongolia.
- 2018: Bronze medal at the AIBA Women’s World Boxing Championship in New Delhi, India.
- 2018: Bronze medal at the 13th International Silesian Championship in Poland.
- 2019: Bronze medal at the AIBA Women’s World Boxing Championship in Ulan Ude, Russia.
- 2021: Bronze medal at the Asian Amateur Boxing Championship in Dubai, UAE.
Her biggest breakthrough came when she qualified for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Lovlina made history by becoming the first woman boxer from Assam to win an Olympic medal, securing bronze in the women’s welterweight category after a tough semi-final against Turkey’s Busenaz Surmeneli.
Overcoming Adversity
Despite her achievements, Lovlina’s journey was not without challenges. Just a month before the Tokyo Olympics, she suffered a serious Lisfranc injury in her right foot. However, her determination and resilience allowed her to recover and compete at the highest level.
Lovlina’s Olympic success brought her family into the limelight, highlighting their sacrifices and struggles. The government began investing in infrastructure in her village, constructing roads and providing clean drinking water, which had previously been lacking.
Impact and Legacy
Lovlina Borgohain’s story is not just about personal triumph; it is also about breaking stereotypes. She has become a role model for young girls, proving that gender is no barrier to greatness in sports. Her journey has inspired many, encouraging them to pursue their dreams despite societal challenges.
Lovlina continues to train and aims for further success in her boxing career, setting her sights on future championships and striving to change the color of her Olympic medal.
