India's Medal Hopes Rise as Lovlina Takes on China's Li Qian in Paris Quarterfinals
In the picturesque setting of Paris, where the 2024 Olympics have been unfolding with splendor along the River Seine, Indian athletes are making their mark. As the Games progress into their second week, India has secured three medals—all in shooting—making history with their most successful Olympic performance in a single sport. However, all eyes today are on Lovlina Borgohain, who stands on the brink of adding to this tally in the boxing ring.
Lovlina Borgohain, India's boxing sensation, is set to face China's Li Qian in the women's 75kg quarterfinals. A victory in this match will not only propel Lovlina into the semifinals but also guarantee her a second consecutive Olympic medal, following her bronze at the Tokyo 2020 Games. Her journey in Paris began with a convincing win by unanimous verdict over Norway’s Sunniva Hofstad, setting the stage for today’s crucial encounter.
The anticipation surrounding this match has resonated deeply in Borgohain's home state of Assam. In the tranquil village of Bormukhia in Golaghat district, Bhakta Vaishnavas have gathered at Bor Namghar to pray for her success. The air was filled with devotion as the villagers recited verses from The Bhagavata throughout the night, with Lovlina’s parents, Tiken and Mamoni Borgohain, in attendance at this notable ceremony.
Meanwhile, the Indian contingent in Paris has seen an impressive start, with all three medals coming from shooting events—marking the first time India has won more than two medals in a single sport at the Olympics. Manu Bhaker has been a standout performer, becoming the first Indian athlete post-Independence to win two medals in the same Olympics, following in the footsteps of Norman Pritchard in 1900. Bhaker's bronze in the women’s individual and mixed team 10m air pistol events, alongside Sarabjot Singh, set the tone for India’s campaign. Shooter Swapnil Kusale added another bronze in the men’s 50m air pistol three positions, further boosting India’s medal tally.
With India’s hopes riding high, there are several other key events on the horizon. In badminton, Lakshya Sen is poised for a historic moment as he faces Denmark's Viktor Axelsen in the men’s singles semifinal. Sen's stellar performance has already made him the first Indian shuttler to reach the semifinals in this category. On the hockey field, India’s men’s team will face Great Britain in the quarterfinals, hoping to avenge their loss at the same stage in Tokyo 2020. The upcoming days also promise action from star athletes like Neeraj Chopra in javelin, Vinesh Phogat and Antim Panghal in wrestling, and Aditi Ashok in golf.
As the nation holds its breath, the outcome of Lovlina Borgohain's match today could be another chapter in India's growing Olympic legacy. Her determination and the collective prayers of her supporters reflect the spirit of an athlete striving not just for personal glory, but for the pride of an entire nation.
