Glasgow, July 24: Olympic medallist Lovlina Borgohain has secured at least a bronze medal at the after receiving a walkover into the women's 75kg semifinals, moving a step closer to the only major title missing from her decorated career.
With only five boxers entered in the women's 75kg category, Lovlina was handed a direct passage into the last four and is now just one victory away from reaching the gold medal bout. The semifinal berth also guarantees her a maiden medal, as losing semifinalists in boxing are awarded bronze.
The 28-year-old enters the Glasgow Games as one of India's strongest medal prospects. Having already conquered the Asian Championships and World Championships besides her Olympic success, a Commonwealth Games gold would further
cement her status as one of India's finest female boxers.
Her route to the title, however, will become significantly tougher from the semifinals onward, where she is expected to face stronger opposition in a bid to secure a place in the final.
India Banking on Boxing Again
Despite the Commonwealth Games programme being reduced to just 10 sports this year, boxing is once again expected to contribute significantly to India's medal tally.
India has won 44 boxing medals in Commonwealth Games history, and the current squad features a blend of established stars and exciting youngsters capable of extending that record.
Several Indian boxers have also received favourable draws. Reigning world champion Jaismine Lamboria (57kg), Priya Ghanghas (60kg) and Preeti Pawar (54kg) are all just one victory away from guaranteeing themselves medals.
Head coach Santiago Nieva has expressed confidence that the women's team can match or even surpass its performance from Birmingham 2022, where India won two gold medals and one bronze.
Young Men's Squad Looks to Impress
The men's team arrives in Glasgow with a youthful look, as six of the seven selected boxers are making their Commonwealth Games debut.
Among them, Sachin Siwach (60kg) is regarded as India's strongest medal contender after impressing consistently on the international circuit, while Jadumani Singh (55kg), Aditya Pratap Singh (65kg) and Kapil Pokhariya (90kg) are among the rising talents hoping to make their mark.
Experienced heavyweight Narender Berwal (+90kg) and Sumit Kundu (70kg) provide stability to the squad, but the team will largely rely on fearless performances from its next generation.
Indian Boxing Team:
Women: Sakshi Chaudhary (51kg), Preeti Pawar (54kg), Jaismine Lamboria (57kg), Priya Ghanghas (60kg), Parveen Hooda (65kg), Arundhati Choudhary (70kg), Lovlina Borghain (75kg).
Men: Jadumani Singh (55kg), Sachin Siwach (60kg), Aditya Pratap Singh (65kg), Sumit Kundu (70kg), Ankush (80kg), Kapil Pokhariya (90kg), Narender Berwal (+90kg).
