‘Technically sound’ - Lovlina Borgohain's coach explains how she became India's latest boxing sensation
Lovlina’s first coach has urged her to aim for the gold medal at Tokyo 2020
Lovlina Borgohain is a name on every Indian’s lip after she assured India of at least a bronze medal in women’s welterweight after winning her quarterfinal bout against Chinese Taipei’s Chen Nien-chin 4-1.
She can change the colour of the metal should she further progress at Tokyo 2020. Next up is top seed Turkey’s Busenaz Surmeneli.
Padum Boro, who has been credited for having spotted Lovlina’s talent and further hone her skills, believes that she has it in her to clinch India’s first ever gold medal in boxing at the Olympics.
“The first round (against Chen) was close. I always knew that she could win that bout as she was hitting her punches on the face of the opposition. And this bout was flawless. Now it will be very difficult to stop her. She can win gold.
"I spoke to her before she went to Tokyo. I told her not to take any pressure. If you play to your potential, then nobody can stop you from winning a medal,” Boro told Olympics.com.
Boro reminisced how he first came across Lovlina and that in his first meeting itself, he was convinced that she would be a top boxer. The experienced coach feels that Lovlina’s technique has improved considerably and that she has spent years working on her basics, which is why she comes across as a seasoned pugilist.
“Every year we would go out for talent hunting from SAI (Sports Authority of India). In 2012, we went to Golaghat for a scouting camp and there she was spotted. I took a few tests of her like punching bag, fast punching and she did well on those parameters. I thought she could be made into a boxer. Then she was handed the selection letter on June 28, 2012. Till now she trains in SAI, Guwahati whenever she is here,” he recounted.
“From the first day I focussed on her basics. She is a tall boxer and that is a huge advantage for her. I prepared her to win international medals. The Olympics was definitely on the agenda. Over the years she has become more technically sound which has helped her in Tokyo,” he added.
Boro also spoke about her training routine back when she took baby steps into the world of boxing. He also stressed that Lovlina is very strict when it comes to following her regimen and is very focussed on her task.
“She trains early in the morning. She would get up at five. We would start at six in the morning. For two hours we would train till eight. Then there will be an afternoon session from three to six. We would have a double session every day. She maintains a strict diet and eats whatever she is given in the SAI centre. She starts her with two eggs. And then at night two as well. At lunch and dinner, we have chicken, or fish,” said Boro.