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Twitterati Hail Lovlina Borgohain as Female Boxer Secures India's Second Medal at Tokyo Olympics

Tokyo 2020 Olympics - Boxing - Women's Welterweight - Quarterfinal - Kokugikan Arena - Tokyo, Japan - July 30, 2021. Lovlina Borgohain of India celebrates after the fight against Chen Nien-Chin of Taiwan.
© REUTERS / UESLEI MARCELINO

Prior to Lovlina Borgohain's feat, it was weightlifter Mirabai Chanu who won the country's first medal – a silver – in the Japanese capital on the opening day of the games.

Indian boxer Lovlina Borgohain came in for praise from Twitter users as she secured the country's second medal at the Tokyo Olympics by storming into the semis of the women's welterweight event on Friday. Incidentally, she had been beaten by the same opponent four times in previous clashes at different platforms. 

The 23-year-old from the north-eastern state of Assam crushed Nien-Chin Chen of Chinese Taipei 4-1 in the quarterfinals to become just the second Indian female after the legendary Mary Kom to claim a medal at the Olympics.

Mary Kom won a bronze medal at the 2012 games in London.

​Lovlina began the bout on a strong note, edging out her rival 3-2 in the first round.

However, the following round was where the match was won. Lovlina came into her own and delivered a series of spectacular punches at Nien-Chin, ultimately winning the second round 5-0.

The impact of Lovlina's second round demolition of Nien-Chin was reflected in the ensuing rounds as the Assamese girl cruised into the semis with a minimum of fuss.

Lovlina's medal is also India's third medal in boxing at the Olympics.

Before Lovlina, only two Indians had won a medal in the world's biggest sports competition.

While Vijender Singh opened India's account in the sport by capturing a bronze medal in Beijing in 2008, Mary Kom replicated Singh's accomplishment four years later in London.

However, despite assuring herself of a bronze medal, Lovlina wasn't satisfied with her efforts. She is targeting a gold medal at Tokyo's Kokugikan Arena.

"It's only bronze right now. I will answer all questions, after the Olympic gold", she told Indian media in Tokyo after her historic feat.

"It wasn't about proving anything to anyone. I just had to prove it to myself. I had lost to her four times before. This is where I could have taken my revenge. I made no strategy. I thought, whatever happens, I will see it in the ring. I will adapt to the situation", Lovlina added.

In the semis, Lovlina will be up against the might of Turkey's reigning world champion Busenaz Surmeneli, who overcame Anna Lysenko of Ukraine in her quarterfinal contest.

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