Ultimate goal is to clinch the Olympic gold in 2024
I got the time to work on different aspects of my game. I have set my base and now I need to build on that and improve,” says Lovlina Borgohain.
Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist Lovlina Borgohain was adjudged Sportswoman of the Year (Individual Sports) at the Sportstar Aces Awards 2022, but the boxing sensation from Assam is not one to rest on her laurels.
“If we are living in the present, it is also necessary to perform in the present,” Lovlina said as she gears up for her first major event since the Tokyo Olympics in August last year and braces for a packed 2022 schedule which comprises the Women’s World Boxing Championships, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and the Asian Championships.
“Even though athletes want to win the gold in every event, I won’t let any possible disappointment shatter my morale because my ultimate goal is to clinch the Olympic gold in 2024. I will treat these events as a barometer for my progress towards that aim,” Lovlina said after securing qualification for the World Championships and the Asian Games.
“Earlier, I would get injured before every event. My preparation for Tokyo Olympics didn’t go according to plan. Now, I try to avoid injuries first and foremost and turn my weaknesses into my strengths. I got the time to work on different aspects of my game. I have set my base and now I need to build on that and improve,” she added.
Lovlina braved a COVID-19 infection and a foot injury on her way to the bronze medal and believes in setting the mind free ahead of big events. “Nobody has succeeded in controlling the mind, so it is better to let it free and give in to your impulse. I was losing weight because of stress so I started eating whatever I wanted without paying attention to my diet,” Lovlina said.
The 24-year-old once again turned to her instincts ahead of her Tokyo Olympics quarterfinal bout against Chinese Taipei’s Nien-chin Chen — an opponent she had lost to on four occasions previously. “Before the bout, I told myself that this is my day and I know how I need to fight. Keeping this in mind, I devised my own strategy and was successful in doing so.”