Indian boxer Lovlina Borgohain advances to Tokyo Olympics quarters

Lovlina Borgohain defeated Germany’s Nadine Apetz by a 3:2 split decision in the women’s 69kg (welterweight) category in her round of 16 bout.

2 minBy Aarish Ansari
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(2021 Ueslei Marcelino - Pool)

Indian boxer Lovlina Borgohain started her Tokyo Olympics campaign with a hard-fought win over Germany’s Nadine Apetz in the women’s 69kg round of 16 match.

The two-time world championship bronze medallist, Lovlina Borgohain won the welterweight bout by 3:2 split decision at the Ryogoku Kokugikan arena.

Lovlina, 23, started on the backfoot after the German boxer’s aggressive start and the Indian’s low guard gave Nadine several opportunities to connect her left jabs.

On the other hand, Lovlina relied more on her counterattacks to get points and found her footing as the round progressed, getting full points from three of the five judges.

The second round was also equally contested, with both boxers managing to get the judges’ attention. Lovlina was much more offensive and scored off her left hook and right uppercut combo while Nadine was once again successful in landing her well-timed left jabs.

In the third round, the 35-year-old Nadine -- also a two-time world championship bronze medallist -- upped the offence, but Lovlina’s nimble footwork helped the Indian keep her distance.

The last three minutes also saw an exchange of punches but the Indian emerged victorious in her debut Olympic bout by a 3:2 split decision.

Lovlina will now face Chinese Taipei’s Nien-Chin Chen in the women’s 69kg quarter-final on Friday.