In a strategic move that has surprised the Indian boxing community, Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist Lovlina Borgohain has decided to skip the upcoming World Boxing Cup finals scheduled to be held on home soil in New Delhi.
The decision comes as part of Borgohain's carefully planned preparation for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where she aims to upgrade her bronze medal to gold. Instead of competing in the domestic tournament, the 26-year-old pugilist will be heading to the Czech Republic to participate in the Grand Prix tournament in Usti nad Labem.
Strategic Shift in Training Approach
According to sources within the boxing federation, Borgohain's camp believes that European exposure will provide better preparation for the crucial Olympic qualifiers. The Grand Prix in Czech Republic is scheduled from March 4-9, overlapping with the World Boxing Cup finals in Delhi from March 3-5.
"This decision wasn't taken lightly," revealed a source close to the boxer's training team. "Lovlina needs high-quality international exposure at this stage of her preparation. The competition in Europe will better simulate the conditions she'll face in Paris."
Impact on Indian Boxing Contingent
Borgohain's absence will be felt strongly in the 75kg category, where she was considered a strong medal contender for the host nation. However, the Boxing Federation of India has expressed understanding of her decision, recognizing the larger goal of Olympic success.
The World Boxing Cup in New Delhi will still feature several prominent Indian boxers, including the reigning world champion Nikhat Zareen and other Commonwealth Games medalists who are expected to carry the nation's hopes in the tournament.
Road to Paris 2024
Lovlina's focus now shifts entirely to securing her qualification for the Paris Olympics. The first World Olympic Qualification Tournament is scheduled in Busto Arsizio, Italy from February 29 to March 12, followed by the second qualifier in Bangkok from May 23 to June 3.
Her performance in these tournaments will determine whether India's boxing sweetheart gets another shot at Olympic glory after her historic bronze medal performance in Tokyo.
