Well fought Lovlina: PM Modi on 23-year-old boxer's Olympic bronze win

New Delhi: Boxer Lovlina Borgohain settled with a bronze medal at Tokyo Olympics 2020 after losing to Busenaz Surmeneli in the semi-final bout on Wednesday (August 4). The Turkish boxer was the dominant force in the semi-final of Welterweight category and won the contest 5-0.

The opening round kicked off with Busenaz throwing a couple of punches. Though Lovlina's two uppercuts highlighted the first 30 seconds, the Turkish pugilist followed with a few body blows. In the 2nd minute, both the boxers landed punches, with Lovlina trying to make a comeback. The match was stopped a couple of times. Towards the end of the 3rd minute, Busenaz landed some heavy punches and won the first round unanimously.

In the 2nd round, both tried to land some punches and Busenaz got the upper hand in the opening minute itself. She landed a couple of jabs and a perfect punch in the final 30 seconds. Busenaz also won the 2nd round. The judges had to deduct a point from Lovlina's tally as she had landed a punch after the referee had called for the match to be stopped.

Lovlina had to make a strong comeback in the 3rd round in order to keep her chances alive but that wasn't the case. Busenaz dominated the proceedings throughout and landed punches on both sides of her opponent in the final minutes, winning the match in dominant fashion. The final event takes place on August 7.

Despite losing the semi-final, it was a dream run for Lovlina at Olympics as she is only the 3rd Indian boxer to win an Olympic medal.  Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished Lovlina on her medal win and wrote: "Well fought @LovlinaBorgohai ! Her success in the boxing ring inspires several Indians. Her tenacity and determination are admirable. Congratulations to her on winning the Bronze. Best wishes for her future endeavours. #Tokyo2020."

PM Modi spoke to Lovlina and said that her win is a testimony to the talent and tenacity of Nari Shakti. Modi also said that her win is a matter of immense pride for every Indian, especially for Assam and the Northeast.

Sports Minister Anurag Thakur lauded the boxer and wrote: "Lovlina, you gave your best punch ! India is extremely proud of what you have achieved ! You’ve achieved a medal in your first Olympics; the journey has just begun! Well done @LovlinaBorgohai ! #Boxing  #Olympics #Tokyo2020 #Cheer4India." Check out other reactions to Lovlina's medal win-

India have so far won 1 silver and 2 bronze medals in Tokyo Games. Weightlifter Mirabai Chanu had opened up India's medal tally with a silver medal win on the 2nd day of the event. Last week, PV Sindhu signed off from Tokyo after bagging a bronze medal in the women's singles event.

Indian men's hockey team, women's hockey team, javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra and few wrestlers are in the fray to bring home the medal glory.