Lovlina Borgohain Secures India's First Commonwealth Medal

Indian boxer Lovlina Borgohain has secured at least a bronze medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games before the competition has even begun, guaranteeing India its first podium finish of the event. Borgohain, a Tokyo 2020 Olympic bronze medalist and former world champion, received a direct bye into the women's 75kg semifinals due to a small draw of only five competitors in her weight class.

In Commonwealth Games boxing, both losing semifinalists are awarded bronze medals, meaning advancement to the final four ensures a place on the podium. Borgohain's progression came without her having to contest a preliminary bout. She is joined in the semifinals by Australia's Emma-Sue Greentree and Tuvalu's Tarona Taafaki, who also received byes. The final semifinal spot will be determined by a quarterfinal between England's Mary Kate Smith and Nigeria's Patricia Mbata on July 28.

Borgohain, 28, will face Taafaki in the semifinals on July 31, with a victory securing her a place in the gold medal contest. This achievement marks her first Commonwealth Games medal after previous disappointments. She lost in the quarterfinals at the 2018 Gold Coast Games and was defeated in her opening bout at the...