Assam boxer Lovlina Borgohain shines in Russia event, enters semis

Guwahati: World Championships bronze medalist Lovlina Borgohain (69kg) entered the semi-finals — as the Indian contingent confirmed four medals — at the Magomed Salam Umakhanov Memorial International Boxing Tournament 2019 in Kaspiysk, Russia on Wednesday.

Lovlina, who hails from Golaghat in Assam, was in top form in her quarter-final bout with Russia’s Anastasiya Sigaeva whom she out-punched 5-0. She will next take on Belarusian Alina Veber for a place in the final.

Along with Lovlina, three other Indians entered the semi finals. Asian gold-medalist Pooja Rani (75kg), India Open gold medalist Neeraj (57kg) and former youth bronze-medalist Jony (60kg) were among the three.

Pooja rebounded from a shock loss at the India Open in May with a 4-1 victory over Russia’s Laura Mamedkulova, while Neeraj secured a 4-1 win over Russian Sayana Sagataeva. Jony clinched a 5-0 win over Belarus’ Anastasiya Obushenkova.

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Pinki Rani (51kg) was the only one of the Indian women boxers who wasn’t successful in her attempt to make it to the semis. The 2018 India Open champion suffered a bruising 0-5 loss to Belarus’ experienced boxer, Yuliya Apanasovich.

Six Indian men and five Indian women have participated at the 21st edition of this tournament that will see tough competition till August 4 from 220 boxers hailing from 21 countries. This event will give the Indian boxers a good opportunity to hone their skills and test themselves as they approach the World Championships later in the year.

Lovlina won a silver medal at the 2nd India Open International Boxing Tournament held in Guwahati recently.