New Delhi: India have been assured of their first medal at the Commonwealth Games 2026 even before the opening ceremony of the competition. Boxer Lovlina
Borgohain confirmed India’s first medal at the event after securing a direct spot in the semifinals of the women’s 75kg category on Thursday, July 23.
Lovlina assured a bronze medal after earning a bye in the opening round of the women’s 75kg category in Glasgow. The 31-year-old is one of the five members taking part in the event. Three of the five boxers have earned direct qualification into the semifinals, while the remaining two will lock horns in the lone quarterfinal clash.
Her direct entry into the semifinals means Lovlina is assured of at least a bronze medal even before stepping into the ring at the Commonwealth Games 2026. As per the boxing rules at the Commonwealth Games, both losing semifinalists receive a bronze medal. The Indian top seed will now begin her campaign at the Games next week.
Who will Lovlina Borgohain face in the semifinals?
Lovlina might have earned direct entry into the semifinals without breaking a sweat, however, she is set to face a stern test in the next round. The top seed will be up against Tuvalu’s TKBP Taafaki in the semifinals, with a spot in the gold medal bout of the women’s 75kg category at stake.
Lovlina will move into the final of the event if she manages to get the better of Taafaki in the semifinals. The Tokyo Olympic medallist is one of India’s strongest contenders for a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games 2026 and will be hoping to go all the way in the tournament.
Lovlina’s medal has given India a strong start in the competition. India won 61 medals in the last edition of the Commonwealth Games. However, with the events being reduced to just ten in Glasgow, India’s medal tally is expected to be halved this time around. India won medals in badminton, cricket, table tennis and hockey in the last edition. However, none of these events are part of the ongoing Commonwealth Games 2026.
