Asian Games 2026: Lovlina Borgohain Wins Historic Boxing Gold on Her Birthday
Lovlina Borgohain defeated China’s Ziyi Bao by unanimous decision to win women’s 75kg gold, ending India’s 12-year wait for an Asian Games boxing champion.
The Lovlina Borgohain Asian Games gold medal has ended India’s 12-year wait for a women’s boxing champion at the continental Games. On her 29th birthday, Lovlina defeated China’s Ziyi Bao by unanimous decision in the women’s 75kg final to claim the gold medal.
The victory also made Lovlina the first Indian woman boxer since Mary Kom in 2014 to win an Asian Games gold. After taking silver at the Hangzhou Asian Games, Lovlina returned to the final determined to change the colour of her medal.
Lovlina Controls the 75kg Final
Lovlina entered the bout with a height and reach advantage over Bao and started positively. She landed early punches before using clinches to control the exchanges.
Bao, who entered the final on a 14-fight winning streak, gradually increased the pressure and landed several strong body shots. Despite the Chinese boxer’s attacks, Lovlina edged the opening round 3-2 on the judges’ scorecards.
The second round saw Bao come forward more aggressively. Lovlina relied on her jabs and hooks while attempting to keep her opponent at distance. Bao managed to put Lovlina on the ropes with a jab, but the Indian boxer responded with punches of her own.
The judges awarded the second round 4-1 to Lovlina, giving her an important advantage heading into the final round.
A Calm Finish Under Pressure
With the gold within reach, Lovlina focused on defence and controlling the final three minutes. Bao became increasingly aggressive and attempted to land stronger punches, but Lovlina avoided unnecessary exchanges.
When the unanimous decision was announced, the Indian contingent erupted in celebration as Lovlina embraced her corner.
The gold marked a significant turnaround after her silver-medal finish at the previous Asian Games and came after she had reflected on mistakes from her earlier international campaign.
From Silver to Asian Games Gold
Ahead of the Games, Lovlina had spoken about learning from her previous defeat and becoming more consistent inside the ring.
That approach was evident in the final, where she remained composed against a strong opponent and protected her lead through the closing stages.
Lovlina’s victory now adds another major chapter to India’s boxing campaign at the Asian Games and gives the country its first women’s boxing gold at the event since Mary Kom’s triumph in 2014.
