Optimistic she will win gold in Tokyo: Tiken Borgohain

Our Sports Reporter

GUWAHATI: It is now celebration time for the residence of Baromukhiya, a tiny village in Golaghat district. There is a reason too. Local girl Lovlina Boghain ensured a medal for the country by entering into the semi final in women 69 kg boxing in Tokyo on Friday. It will be the first occasion when a boxer from Assam will return with a medal from Olympics.

People started to throng into Lovlina's house once the boxer out punched Chinese Taipei's Nien-Chin Chen and it continued throughout the day.

Talking to the media persons after the bout, Lovlina's father Tiken Borgohain said, "It's a proud moment for us. I am optimistic that she will bring gold from Tokyo."

However Tiken didn't watch television when his daughter was playing her quarter final bout in Tokyo this morning. "I did not watch Lovlina's game today. It gets difficult for me," he said.

The youngest of three siblings, Lovlina is the first sportsperson from Borgohain's family who represented India in International event. She started her career in Muay thai before shifting to Boxing in 2012. Thereafter no look back for Lovlina. Mary Kom and Muhammed Ali are the two boxers who inspired her most.

Senior Borgohain today mentioned that they will welcome their daughter with shower of love. They will also serve her favourite dish which is pork fry cooked over firewood.

Meanwhile praise started to pour in to Lovlina on twitter once the boxers ensured her berth in the semi final. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said, "You continue to make us proud and keep India's flag high and shining."

Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Bimal Bora congratulating Lovlina said, " Power packed performance continued in Tokyo. Congratulations on qualifying for Semi final's."

Former Team India Member VVS Laxman wrote, "The day gets sweeter as Boxer Lovlina Borgohain wins her quarter-final welterweight bout and India is assured of another medal."

Also Read: Indian women keep alive hopes of spot in quarters

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