Guwahati: Lovlina Borgohain, who lost to Busenaz Surmeneli from Turkey in women’s welterweight (64-69kg) semi-final match of Tokyo Olympic
Games, becomes the first Assamese to win an Olympic medal and third Indian boxer (after Mary Kom-2012 and Vijender Singh-2008) to win a
boxing medal at the Olympics. The 23-year-old pugilist fought hard in the ring against the world
champion but over powered by the Turkish boxer. The top seed athlete won the 2019 world championships in the same category, where Lovlina
won the bronze medal. Busenaz bagged a bronze in 2019 European boxing championship.
Hailing from Sarupathar locality in eastern Assam, the Arjuna awardee defeated Chinese Taipei’s celebrated boxer Chen Nien-Chin in the
quarter finals. Lovlina won the gold medal at first India open international boxing championship held in New Delhi and silver at its
second edition held in Guwahati. Lately she won bronzes at 2019 and 2018 AIBA women’s world boxing championships.
Assam legislative assembly’s ongoing budget session was adjourned for 30 minutes at 11 am to cheer for Lovlina by its honourable members.
Following the request of deputy speaker Dr Numal Momin, the assembly speaker Biswajit Daimary agreed to the proposal. Earlier, the State
assembly adopted a unanimous resolution wishing for the pugilist in Tokyo.
A lighting program was also organised at Nehru Stadium on Tuesday evening, where State chief minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, sports
minister Bimal Bora, information minister Pijush Hazarika, urban development minister Ashok Singhal, revenue minister Jogen Mohan along
with several office bearers of Assam Olympic Association and sports enthusiasts were present.
Lovlina becomes first Assamese to win an Olympic medal
