Lovlina Borgohain Postpones Retirement, Eyes Olympic Return After Paris 2024 Heartbreak

Last Updated:August 31, 2025, 13:37 IST

Lovlina Borgohain, after missing a Paris Olympics medal, postpones retirement to chase another Olympic podium, starting her comeback at the World Championships in Liverpool.

Indian boxer Lovlina Borgohain (PTI)

Lovlina Borgohain had contemplated hanging up her gloves to focus entirely on her newly founded academy, but the disappointment of missing out on a medal at the Paris Olympics has rekindled her competitive fire.

The Assam boxer is now determined to chase a second Olympic podium finish as she prepares for her international comeback at the World Championships next month.

From Near Retirement to a Fresh Mission

The Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist has been absent from the international circuit since her quarterfinal exit at Paris last August. During her break, the 27-year-old invested her time and energy into setting up the Lovlina Borgohain Foundation Academy, which officially opened in June in Guwahati.

“When I thought about starting my academy, I had planned to play until Paris (Olympics), and then maybe quit playing," Lovlina revealed in an interview with PTI.

“But the result in Paris wasn’t what I had expected. Had I won a medal there, that could have been my farewell."

In Paris, Borgohain fell agonisingly short of securing back-to-back Olympic medals, losing in the women’s middleweight (75kg) quarterfinals to eventual champion Li Qian of China.

Paris Regret, LA 2028 Possibility

The Assam boxer admitted she was close to retirement but insists her unfinished business on the Olympic stage keeps her motivated.

“I could have won gold in the Paris Olympics as well because all those women who stood on the podium, I have beaten them all before," she said, hinting at her frustration.

“I have defeated the champion, the silver medallist has lost to me twice, and I have also beaten both bronze medallists. That shows my level, and I know I can win another Olympic medal. That keeps me going."

When asked if the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics could serve as her swansong, Lovlina was candid: “Yes, that is possible."

A Tricky Comeback at the World Championships

Lovlina’s comeback begins at the World Championships in Liverpool on September 4. Despite being the reigning 75kg world champion and already a three-time Worlds medallist, she admitted that her preparation has been far from ideal.

“I’ll be competing internationally after a long break. I got only a month to prepare, so I have been working on endurance and also on strength," she explained.

(with PTI inputs)

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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First Published:

August 31, 2025, 13:37 IST

News sports Lovlina Borgohain Postpones Retirement, Eyes Olympic Return After Paris 2024 Heartbreak

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