‘I Never Demand Luxury…’: Lovlina Borgohain Voices Frustration After World Championships Exit

Last Updated:September 07, 2025, 12:45 pm

Lovlina Borgohain lamented the lack of training and exposure after a first-round exit at the World Boxing Championships, highlighting structural gaps in Indian boxing.

Indian boxer Lovlina Borgohain (X)

Olympic bronze medallist Lovlina Borgohain has expressed her disappointment over the lack of proper training and exposure after suffering a first-round exit at the World Boxing Championships in Turkey.

Returning to international action after more than a year, the 27-year-old went down 0-5 to Turkey’s Busra Isildar in the 75kg round of 16 on Saturday.

In a candid post on X, Lovlina admitted the defeat was painful but reiterated that her struggles stemmed from inadequate preparation.

“After 1 year away, I stepped into my first international competition. I lost in my very first fight… it hurts. I’m sorry, I couldn’t do it this time. But everyone knows—I never fight for anything else, only for my training. I never demand luxury, I only ask for good training,” she wrote.

Lovlina contrasted her build-up to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where she won bronze, with her preparation ahead of the Paris Games, saying she had far fewer international camps and sparring opportunities.

“Before Tokyo, we had proper international camps. I used to request international sparring partners. But before Paris, I got very few competitions and very little exposure. Without good sparring partners, how can I improve? Even in Paris, I stood alone. Every time, I have to prove myself again and again,” she said, adding that mental strength is just as crucial as physical ability.

Structural Gaps in Indian Boxing

Her comments highlight broader challenges in Indian boxing. Following Paris, the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) skipped several international tournaments. While the men’s team competed in two World Boxing Cups, the women got just one international outing.

Additionally, due to internal disputes, the Assam boxing unit failed to field a team at the delayed nationals, leaving Lovlina sidelined. She was forced to rely on a domestic meet to regain her place in the national camp.

Respect for Current Coaches, But Unmet Requests

Lovlina clarified she was not criticising her current coaching staff.

“I am not blaming current coaches and team members. They have always supported me. But learning something new always takes more time,” she explained.

Earlier this year, she had also requested the presence of her personal coach at camp and sought training opportunities in Europe, both of which were denied.

Despite setbacks, Lovlina vowed to continue fighting.

“Still, even after giving everything to my country, I don’t always get the training or coach I truly need. Every fight I enter, I cross difficulties alone. Tell me, is it right to always keep my head down, to keep training silently despite everything? No matter what—I promise, I will rise again. I will fight in any situation,” she concluded.

Siddarth Sriram

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term…Read More

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term… Read More

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