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Lovlina Borgohain, the Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist in boxing, showcased her prowess in the 75kg weight category at the Paris Olympics, securing a dominant victory over Sunniva Hofstad of Norway in the round of 16. The 27-year-old Indian boxer, who transitioned to the higher weight class after the boxing authorities revised the classifications, displayed a remarkable level of composure and tactical awareness throughout the bout, effectively neutralizing her opponent's attempts to gain an advantage. Despite Hofstad's experience in the 75kg division for nearly four years, Borgohain's calculated approach and fluid movement proved to be too much for the Norwegian fighter to handle. The victory sets up a challenging quarterfinal encounter for Borgohain against Li Qian of China, the current World No. 1 in the weight class.
Borgohain's impressive performance comes as a significant boost for the Indian boxing squad, which has been facing a series of setbacks at the Paris Olympics. Her smooth and unhurried style of boxing, a stark contrast to the usual intensity expected in the heavier weight categories, was met with evident relief from her coach, Dmitry Dmitruk. Borgohain's victory serves as a testament to her ability to adapt to the new weight class and compete effectively against seasoned opponents. It also highlights the strategic depth of her boxing skills, allowing her to control the tempo and dictate the flow of the fight with precision. Her performance has reignited hopes for India's medal prospects in the boxing discipline at the Games.
While Borgohain's victory is a significant highlight for the Indian boxing team, another Indian boxer, Nikhat Zareen, faces a formidable challenge in the 50kg category. Zareen, who is the reigning world champion, will be going up against Wu Yu, the top seed in the event, in the second round. Zareen's debut at the Olympics was marked by a hard-fought win over Maxi Kloetzer of Germany, a match that required her to adjust her usual style and approach. Her ability to adapt to the demanding circumstances of the Olympics has been praised, but facing Wu Yu, a formidable opponent known for her aggressive style, will undoubtedly be the toughest test of her career. Zareen's resilience and adaptability will be put to the ultimate test as she aims to overcome the challenge presented by Wu Yu and secure a place in the next round.
Source: Lovlina Borgohain floats like a butterfly in new weight category at Paris Olympics