Lovlina scripts history with 2nd Asian Games final berth on trot; Priya, Kapil return with bronze

Boxer Lovlina Borgohain on September 30 scripted history by advancing to the final of women's 75kg category. Lovlina became the first Indian to qualify for consecutive Asian Games finals. Meanwhile, Priya Ghanghas (women’s 70kg) and Kapil Pokhariya lost their respective semifinals bout and bowed out of the competition with a bronze medal.

Lovlina beat Kazakhstan's Natalya Bogdanova 3-2 in a thrilling semifinal clash. She has assured herself of at least a silver. The Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist had settled for a silver in the Hangzhou Asian Games 2022 and would like to convert it into a gold this time around.

"It was an excellent experience because this is my second Asian Games, and last time I had a silver medal. So this time I will definitely try to get a gold medal. Let’s see what happens in the final," Lovlina said after her bout.

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"I feel very good, because this was a very tough match for me. I lost the first round, and the second round I won 5-0. So it was a tough fight for me, but I won."

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3rd Indian boxer to fight for gold 

Lovlina is the third Indian boxer who has qualified for the gold medal bout. Before her, Praveen Hooda (women's 65kg) and Ankush Panghal (men's 80kg) have already made it to the finals. All three boxers will fight for gold on October 2.

"The final will be tougher for me. I will give my 100% and then definitely the result will be mine. I will be playing against a Chinese opponent, so it will be tough, but I have the blessings and support of everyone. The coaches have told me to play my best, and I will try my level best,” Lovlina said.

Priya’s maiden Asian Games medal

Meanwhile, Priya is happy with her first medal at the Asian Games. She lost to experienced campaigner and former world champion, China's Yang Chengyu in the semifinal clash by 1-4. She intends to do better the next time she plays in the Asian Games.

"I feel better because it''s the first Asian Games where I won a bronze medal for India. So next time I hope I win a gold medal.

"I will train very hard for next time, and I am sure I will win a gold medal for India at the Asian Games and the next world championship also. I am very proud of myself because this is my first Asian Games," Priya said.

Tough semifinal draw for Kapil too

Kapil faced an experienced campaigner in the semifinal as well. He went up against Uzbekistan's Turabek Khabibullaev in the men's 90kg semifinal. Turabek is the reigning world champion and it was always going to be a tough draw.

Kapil lacked the attacking intent and Turabek took advantage of it. The Indian was no match for the quick jabs and hooks. The only silver lining for him was a few clean pitches. Turabek ended up winning the bout 4-1. The reigning world champion avoided taking unnecessary damages in the closing minutes of the bout. 26-year-old Kapil would return with his maiden bronze medal.