In a heartbreaking end to
India's
boxing campaign at the Paris 2024 Olympics,
Lovlina Borgohain, the Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist, bowed out after a hard-fought quarterfinal bout against China's
Li Qian in the women's 75kg category. Borgohain lost 1-4 in a match marked by repeated cautions for clenching and holding, signalling the end of India’s journey in the boxing ring this Olympic season.
The
Indian squad at these Games featured a mix of veterans and rising stars: Amit Panghal (51kg),
Nishant Dev (71kg),
Nikhat Zareen (50kg),
Preeti Pawar (54kg), Jaismine Lamboria (57kg), and Lovlina Borgohain (75kg). Despite a spirited effort, the results were mixed, with initial optimism ultimately tempered by fierce international competition.
Nishant Dev, seen as a strong medal contender, faced a similar fate. He exited in the men's 71kg
quarterfinals after a tough match against Italy's Marco Verde. Dev’s performance, though commendable, fell short of securing a podium finish, adding to the collective disappointment of the Indian team.
The
Paris Olympics proved to be a testing ground for Indian boxers, showcasing their resilience and skill against formidable global opponents. Lovlina started strong, matching Li Qian's intensity in the early rounds. However, Li's tactical adjustments in the later stages of the match turned the tide, ending Borgohain's run in a decisive manner.
As the dust settles, India's boxing federation and its ardent supporters will look back at these performances with an eye toward the future. The experiences and lessons from Paris 2024 will be invaluable in refining strategies and training regimens. This reflective period will be essential as India gears up for the next Olympic cycle, aiming to make a stronger impact on the world stage
(with inputs from agencies)