Glasgow, July 23: India has already secured its first medal at the Commonwealth Games 2026 before the opening ceremony. Olympic medalist boxer Lovlina Borgohain has received a bye, ensuring her place in the semifinals.
Lovlina, who won a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics, advanced directly to the semifinals in the women’s 75 kg category due to a draw that included only five athletes. Consequently, three players, including Lovlina, have reached the ‘Final-4’ (semifinals) without competing, while the remaining two must play a single quarterfinal match.
According to the Commonwealth Games boxing rules, all athletes who lose in the semifinals are awarded bronze medals. This means that Lovlina has already secured a bronze medal before even stepping into her first match in Glasgow.
She will begin her semifinal campaign against Tofaki on July 31, where she will have the chance to qualify for the gold medal match. A victory will lead her to the finals and guarantee at least a silver medal, while a loss will still see her return with a bronze.
This will mark Lovlina’s first podium finish at the Commonwealth Games. She previously lost to Sandy Ryan in the quarterfinals at Gold Coast 2018 and was eliminated in her first match at Birmingham 2022, both times competing in the 69 kg category.
This medal also signifies that Lovlina has now won medals in all major multi-sport events she was eligible for, including the Olympics, Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games.
During the opening ceremony on Thursday, when the Indian contingent enters the arena in splendid attire, Lovlina and silver medalist weightlifter Mirabai Chanu from the Tokyo Olympics will carry the flag and baton.
Lovlina has secured a bronze at the Tokyo Olympics and a gold at the 2023 World Championships. Additionally, she earned a silver medal at the 2023 Asian Games held in Hangzhou, China.
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